So little time, such a big difference

FALLBROOK — Potter Junior High School in Fallbrook is seeking mentors for its Potter Reaches Out school-based mentoring program. Mentoring can help at-risk teens navigate the stormy waters of adolescence. For just one hour each week, individuals can have positive influences on youth.

Potter Reaches Out Mentoring began in March. Seventeen mentors provided over 300 hours to 22 Potter seventh and eighth grade students. The mentors ranged in age from 19 to 82 and were teachers, college students, homemakers, principals, administrative assistants and parents. “The kids don’t seem to care about the mentor’s race or age; what they want is attention and love.” (“Assisting the Effectiveness of Mentoring Programs — Mentoring Matters — A National Survey of Adults Mentoring Young People”)

Mentoring Coordinator Fran Little reports, “There are always more students in need of mentoring than committed adults willing to mentor.” Little, a 13-year resident of Fallbrook, has mentored students in Fallbrook for years. “Being a parent of two teen girls, I understand the difficulty of finding time to give back when you have a busy life. The rewarding thing that I have experienced being a mentor is the benefit of seeing the youth grow and accomplish things that they thought were not possible.”

“We treat our mentors with the same care and concern that we hope our mentors will treat the students,” said Program Coordinator Robin Sales. After attending an orientation to the program and completing an application and individual interview, mentors receive a two-hour training class and ongoing support from Potter Reaches Out staff. Mentors and students meet one hour each week on the Potter Junior High School campus during the school year.

Those who would like to become mentors are encouraged to contact Little at (760) 731-4163 or [email protected].

One satisfied mentor sums up the experience by saying, “If you have the time and can put forth the effort, it is an amazing experience that you won’t regret and gives you the opportunity to get to know the youth in your community. It also makes you feel good knowing you are making a difference!” (CARS Mentoring Survey 2006)