Monday, May 14, 2012

Seventeen and Counting

There are a thousand things to like about the new program Rojo is in. A thousand. Not the least of which is peer mentors. When we were exploring similar programs across the country, peer mentors was an aspect that especially appealed to us because of the obvious win:win.

As this year draws to a close, I want to make sure to thank all of Rojo's various peer mentors, homework helpers, lunchroom buddies, assistants, etc. Asked him to help me form a list and Woohoo chimed in - thought we got 'em all - thirteen. Decided as an added precaution to run the list by his teachers to make sure we didn't miss anyone. Indeed, we'd missed four. The boy has seventeen people that throughout the course of a week, assist him in some way. Seventeen. And that's not counting any of the teachers and staff.

He needs every last one of them.

And they need him.

As the teachers prepare for next year, they put it out to the incoming juniors and seniors that might have a free period to assist in the program. Twice as many applied as there are spots.

It feels good to help. For some of these kids they are used to school, learning, social situations, etc. being easy. For some, not so much. It is arguable which population of helper is most helped.

Win:win. What's not to love about that?


2 comments:

kario said...

And I'm willing to bet they glean as much wisdom from the kids they're helping as the kids who are being assisted do. You're right - absolute win:win.

Brenda Rothman (Mama Be Good) said...

We have teens and young adults who play with my son. They love playing with my son. And he them. Absolutely win win.

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