Model What Life Can Be
“My goal has been to model what life can be; not focus on what it is,” explains Gwen Smith, a Senior Partner with Metro Denver Partners. “It?s hard for a mentor to make the desired impact on a child since you usually only see the kid one day a week. You really do not have a lot of co
ntrol over their environment so you strive to share a different lifestyle that makes the student think about where life can take them.”
Gwen and Lynney, 13, were matched in March 2009. “We talk often about the importance of making good decisions and choices,” continues Gwen. “And, I?ve been honest with Lynney, my Junior Partner, that life is not all fun. But, I stress that good choices will give her options in life. We do a lot of "girl? stuff and explore out-of-the-way places together” says Gwen.
Lynney learned about Partners through her school. She was having some difficulties with other girls, and the principal thought Partners would be beneficial. “I just wouldn?t put up with other girls? attitudes,” explains Lynney. “But, I wouldn?t walk away either. I would confront them and that caused problems.”
“Her interaction with kids at school has improved a great deal,” says Gwen. “We talked about the importance of just walking away when a conflict is brewing so as not to make things worse. I think it?s working.”
“I like doing new things,” says Lynney, “but when it?s strange to me, like ordering French food the first time, or I don?t see a purpose in learning it, like social studies, it?s harder for me. Doing things with Gwen has taught me that I should go ahead and try something because I might really enjoy it, and there probably is a good purpose that I?ll understand later. So,” continues Lynney, “why have a mentor? It?s fun and you get to do a lot of stuff. You learn new things and how to act better. She taught me that life isn?t easy, but it?s not too hard either. She?s my friend and she?s changed my outlook on so many things. Thank you, Gwen!”