National Mentoring Month: Nichole D.

January is National Mentoring Month when THRU Project highlights the impact of mentoring for our participants. With 175 mentors currently providing support to the young people we serve, THRU Project is proud to keep mentoring as the heart of our programs providing participants with trusted guidance and a safe sounding board every day.

This is the case for Nichole and her mentee. We sat down with Nichole for a quick Q&A earlier this month to find out what it’s like being a mentor with THRU Project.

THRU: Why did you become a THRU Project mentor?

Nichole: I wanted to be a mentor because I was looking for ways to make a meaningful impact in my community. Prior to becoming a mentor, I would volunteer my time as I could for singular events or at my local hospital, but I was looking for a way to volunteer where I would help someone more long term than short term. After learning about the THRU Project I felt confident that this was a great opportunity for me to do just that.

THRU: What is your favorite memory with your mentee?

Nichole: I have many! But what I think of most is when we went to see Annie. We had a great time and actually had planned to go to the movie theater that week but being able to go see that play was such a fun time. She had never been to the Majestic Theater and being able to see that historic building and the production of the play was amazing as well. It was definitely a new and fun experience for the both of us to go to together.

THRU: What would you tell someone considering becoming a mentor?

Nichole: I would say that just being consistent and communicating goes a long way! It’s so rewarding and honestly a lot of fun to be a mentor. I have enjoyed being able to watch my mentee grow into the amazing person she is today and it’s been such a pleasure being able to help her accomplish her goals. I can tell that I have grown as a person because of her as well. It can be a little nerve-racking at first but I think that is completely normal. I definitely recommend becoming a mentor!