vMentor : Quotes on mentoring

Mentee response from evaluation of vMentor program....

“My mentor has exceeded all expectations I could have ever had. We have become good friends and I feel as if I have somebody out there who cares about me. Someone whom I can share my A’s with, someone to write to while my laundry is getting done; it feels like someone back home. Even though I know, I don’t have a home. Without my mentor’s support, I know that my first year at the university would not have been as fruitful as it has. Her emails cheered me up when I was down and gave me the support that other students are blessed with to receive from their parents. Though I will probably never meet my mentor, I would like to thank her for supporting me. I would also like to thank OFA for finding her for me.”

From email to a mentor......

“I am sure that you have no idea of just how important it was for me to have someone to talk to and listen to! The vMentor aspect of the scholarship program is so important, literally! It has really given me an opportunity to express myself in ways that I have not been able to, at all. I have enjoyed getting to know you and I really appreciate everything that you have done for me. Trust me, it has not gone unnoticed. Thank you, I really mean it. You have really made an impact on me in so many ways this school year. Thank you for taking the time out of your schedule to chat with me. This small act of kindness has made a big difference. I am proud to be a part of a scholarship program that is so much more than a scholarship program! May you continue to be blessed in everything that you do. You have truly been a blessing in my life.”

Response to a survey of mentees......

“I really appreciate everything. Personally, my favorite part is my vMentor, who has touched my life in a very personal and loving way. If you ever worry that I am afraid to ask for help, I am not, because I want you to know that I go to her whenever I need anything, and she has never turned me down. I have looked for a friend like that for years and I am so thankful that your program brought her into my life.”

From email sent to vMentor program from youth....

“Thank you for giving me the option of picking my own mentor, I’m really excited about it now. I really wanted a mentor who I could ask questions about my major, and I really feel like Lisa is a good pick. I feel like I’m on the dating game or something, this is awesome. Thank you very much.”

From exit summary each student is asked to write.....

“I call it a program because OFA doesn’t just send me a check every term and blindly hope that I’ll use the money well and stay in school. OFA is there every step of the way making sure I am healthy and happy. I receive care packages that brighten my day and make me smile, I receive bi-weekly emails that make me feel important, and most of all, I keep in contact with an online mentor who I absolutely love. She is happy to hear about my life and cares how I am from day to day. She worries when I am feeling down and gives me great advice when I ask for it. She encourages me when I’m unsure of myself and even remembers my birthday with a card. Most of all, she keeps in touch so that when I check my email, I can always count on having a letter from her. Just that kind of devotion means so much to a former foster child.”

A quote from a mentee to the Scholarship Director....

"I will reapply next year because instead of graduating this May, I have decided to double major and take classes one more year in Political Science. I am also studying for my LSAT (Law School Admission Test) to take next year. I love my new mentor, she is so nice and has some great advice! She is going to help me prepare for the LSAT. I hope you enjoy your holidays."

A quote from a mentee to a mentor...

"And by the way, it has been a pleasure getting to know you too. I must admit that at first, I thought this vMentor thing was tedious and unimportant to anything that I was trying to do. But getting to know you and receiving many emails from you has become really important to me. You seem like a wonderful person and someone that has a good heart. Those who get to see you and be around you everyday are truly lucky. You make me try harder, so in the end, I can tell you all my accomplishments and make you proud. I'm very blessed to have been matched with you."

A survey question....What has been the most beneficial part of the mentor program for you?

“Knowing that whenever my world falls apart here, I know that I can vent to someone I know cares about me and my success. Also that someone is thinking about me in a positive way.”
“I would say that it has been receiving so many words of encouragement from my mentor. She is absolutely amazing!”
“Now to answer your questions: The mentor program was very beneficial. It is nice having someone to talk to about school. I am a Psychology and Veterinary Science major and I love to talk about what I learned in class but my friends do not always want to hear it.”
“...Having an objective point of view from someone who had gone through similar experiences and could give me advice.”
“I love this program :)”
“Just being able to talk to someone more wise than you is a great thing.”
"...The constant contact with someone that is supporting you through all aspects of your life. They offer advice and support. I just want to say that this is a great program and I hope it continues to bless other youth the way it blessed me."
“...having someone with an objective perspective to talk to. I thought my mentor was very encouraging and supportive.”
“...Getting to know my mentor and having extra support.”
“I enjoy talking to my mentor...She listens to me and gives me advice, and most importantly ....I have a friend to talk to about anything. That is the best!”
“I think the most beneficial part is just knowing that someone cares.”
“...Being able to speak with someone with experience in life who has an open mind and a non-judgmental view of me.”
“...Meeting and creating a relationship with someone who has experienced similar things in life and has been able to not only overcome those obstacles, but is successful and noble enough to help others who are still trying to overcome the harsh realities of life as an "At Risk" youth.”
“The good thing about it is that my mentor has been really good to me. She's helped me with suggestions, reading papers, and just talking to me. I really hope that I can meet her someday when I get out of college because she really is pretty awesome. I like having the email; it's definitely helpful, just as much as the scholarship money.”

A few words from our mentors too...

In response to the survey question: What could we have done to make your match a more valuable experience for either you or your mentee?

“My experience with my mentee is already extremely valuable. We have a great rapport and we trust each other enough to be honest with our feelings and views. I have learned so much from (her), and I only hope that she can say the same. The guidance and information you gave me concerning (her) pursuing her nursing career with community college was wonderful and supportive. I love being part of this!”

Mentor response to a training.....

“Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to share with the rest of us questions and/or feedback. I truly enjoyed listening and talking with you. Nice feature to be able to discuss what is going on and verbally get questions answered which might be beneficial to the others for additional information. Looking forward to the training in September.”