Tyler, an accountant at United Health Group, is a mentor in Simpson’s middle school mentoring program. He is matched with 11-year-old Jerome, a bright and insightful 5th grader who loves his family, school, and playing sports.
Tyler discovered Simpson’s Children and Youth Services Program when he was searching for a volunteer opportunity that blended his passions for ending homelessness and helping youth. After going through Simpson’s mentoring training, he seamlessly incorporated the two hour mentoring commitment into his weekly routine.
Throughout the school year the pair met weekly, exploring local sights — like the Stone Arch Bridge, the Walker Art Center, and the State Capitol building — or playing football in the park. Tyler shares that some of their best meetings have been going to a coffee shop and talking about the highs and lows of their week:
“A lot of the mentees just want someone to talk to. As the oldest brother in his family, it’s been important for Jerome to have this outlet, the time and space to express himself and to have another person to listen. These small moments are what mentees really want and need.”
Tyler and Jerome have enjoyed participating in monthly group activities like roller skating, arts and crafts, and science experiments with other mentors and mentees in Simpson’s Middle School Mentoring Program.
Tyler observes how their mentoring relationship has evolved during the past several months. Jerome candidly expresses his observations, feelings, and future aspirations. “Our relationship evolved to a level of trust and vulnerability. Jerome talks about his relationships with friends at school and how he feels. He shares his aspirations for himself. He wants to go to college and become a lawyer.”
Finding great reward in the mentoring experience, Tyler encourages other adults to mentor youth in Simpson’s program. “Mentoring has made a personal impact on my life,” he says. There is so much value in listening, giving your undivided attention, and learning from a young person. It’s true — you get out of it what you put into it.”