January is National Mentoring Month. I spent most of my childhood as a mentee and had a few different mentors. I am from a single parent household and am one of four kids, so having a mentor was nice because it was an adult who was there to invest time in my life.

The longest time I had with one of my mentors lasted from when I was in fourth grade until I was a junior in high school. This lady was very special to me. At first she took me out on picnics and outings with the mentor connection. She did crafts and played games with me. We made supper together at her home, and she helped me with my homework.

As I grew older our activities changed to helping me with decision making and giving me advice and guidance on relationships. She encouraged me to be involved with the community and other activities. She was there for me through hard times, like when my father passed away.

Of course, we saw each other less and less because of school activities and having more of a social life with friends. I really appreciated having her in my life because. With a busy home and not having a ton of friends, it helped me to have someone care to listen about my day and my dreams. She helped me to become the person I am today. I am going to college, have a good, full-time job, own a house, am married and I have a daughter.

I can’t say I would be where I am at now had someone not have a genuine desire to help have an impact on my life, even if we were complete strangers at first. I would like to express my deepest thanks for those who are investing in the mentoring program as mentors. You are changing these kids’ lives, and even if they don’t ever tell you thank you — please know you are valued and appreciated.

I also want to say for those who have any spare time and have a desire to help kids — please consider being a mentor!

 

Tabatha Erlandson
Albert Lea