TeamMates Of The Month
Kathy Paisley and Terran
Kathy Paisley didn't think she had time to be a mentor -- until she became one. | |
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"I just made time and found that things moved out of the way so I really did have time," says Kathy, who is the director of Ministry and Discipleship at Sheridan Lutheran Church. She's been a mentor to Terran, a fifth grader at Belmont Elementary, for a year and a half.
The first semester was a bit of a challenge. "He would not open up and of course I wanted to see progress and that I was making a difference," she said. But second semester marked a turn around. The two bonded. And not coincidentally, his number of discipline referrals went down significantly.
Kathy enjoys taking that one hour a week "to be a kid again" and play pool or shuffleboard with Terran "according to his rules," or play with his beloved Matchbox cars. "He really gets into his imagination when we play with the cars," Kathy notes, who is learning a number of ways and materials with which to build barricades and race tracks.
Perhaps one of the surprising things about being a TeamMate, says Kathy, was "how easy it is." "You don't have to know anything -- just show up and be there for them."
It's working for Terran. He says his favorite day of the week is Friday -- "when my TeamMate comes and I get my Backpack."
Kathy, who at one time operated a child care center, recommends TeamMates to anyone who likes people and who can play, be a kid again or get on a kid's level. "Just try it," she says, "it's definitely rewarding even if a person doesn't think they have time!"
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That was 1998. She has been a mentor ever since. Judy's first mentee, who was in the sixth grade when they were matched, originally had a mentor for only a short time. Her story so moved Judy she decided no matter what, she would stay with her mentee through to graduation.
"I didn't always know exactly how I helped her," Judy said, "but I came to realize we might not see immediate success." Her mentee graduated from high school in 2005 and Judy took a break for a year. She re-upped as a mentor three years ago and now looks forward each week to meeting with middle school student, Jennifer.
"I try to think, ‘What information did I need at 15 to get along a little easier?'" The pair looks at a variety of life skills together, such as learning to cook, and they set goals.
For Jennifer, the best part of having a mentor is talking to somebody about things in life, plus Judy "helps with missing homework." And they're accomplishing the goals they're setting.
Jennifer frequently reads her favorite parts of books to Judy, giving Judy an even closer glimpse into the likes of the 15-year-old. Because art is Jennifer's favorite subject and one of Judy's passions, the two will look on the computer at art and photos, or something that relates to class. They seldom lack for something to do or talk about.
Judy, who has managed several political campaigns, not only enjoys her mentoring role but also looks at TeamMates as an opportunity to represent Lincoln and the church and "just try to make a difference." "It's also good for me as a citizen to see what goes on in the schools...It's too bad each kid doesn't have an adult to talk to," she says.
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"You just make it work!" she said. "My philosophy is, ‘I want to do this -- so I'm making the time commitment!'" Commitment has been the key to success for Cherie and Hali.
Cherie was matched with fourth grader Hali in 2001. "The first several visits I didn't think she liked me -- she really didn't respond to me."
It turned out Hali was painfully shy. Cherie would ask every time they met if Hali wanted her to come back and Hali always responded she did.
"Yeah, I remember she would ask me every time," says Hali today with a bemused look. Come back, Cherie did -- every week for eight years.
"It's been a fast ride and wonderful!" Cherie says. Hali agrees. She says she used to hate reading so she and Cherie read together. Now the graduate aspires to major in language arts to help hone her passion for writing poetry. In fact, she is one of five TeamMates 2009 scholarship recipients.
Hali credits Cherie with opening the door to many opportunities, including scholarships. Looking back, Hali says a key event for her was the 8th grade DC trip, made possible by a scholarship Cherie helped find. "The experience was incredible," Hali says. The doors to education opened in a new way. Hali begins Doane College in Crete, NE this fall.
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"That's just the kind of caring person she is," says Annette Kurth, Shae's mentor. The duo decided the number of sixth graders was too daunting, so they narrowed down the scope to her reading class (still some 30 students) and care home residents.
The two of them designed an assembly line and went to work. Shae wrote a message inside every card and they put a flower and chocolate kiss on the outside. Completing some 50 cards over a few meetings gave them a perfect opportunity to talk and share.
Annette finds great satisfaction in helping Shae with her projects and ideas. "Her sunny disposition and compassion for others make her fun to know and easy to spend time with," Annette noted.
Annette was an active volunteer while her children were in school. When they graduated, she missed that vibrant school involvement and working with kids. TeamMates fit the bill.
"I became a mentor because I love working with children and share in Tom Osborne's vision to help youth reach their full potential," she said. "Teammates has been a great fit for me."
Annette credits TeamMates training and support with helping with the process, and yet, it's the experience that is enriching.
"The time I spend with my Teammate is a highlight of my week. We joke, laugh, play games and share experiences. The more I try to contribute, the more I seem to receive in return."
Tiffany and Cindy Hochstetler share their passion of the arts
Cindy Hochstetler heard about TeamMates at work, Lincoln Benefit and Life. Tiffany was a third grader and needed a mentor. Matched just over two years ago, the two of them found a common passion -- art, in its many forms. | |
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In fact, Tiffany says art is her favorite thing to do with Cindy. "I didn't know how to do anything on plastic canvas until Cindy taught me and now I can do it at home. My favorite project was creating and framing a stained glass picture."
Cindy keeps her eyes open for arts and crafts she and Tiffany can do together -- because while they work together on projects they enjoy so much, they talk and share. "Tiffany and I have fun together and we talk a lot, just like girls do."
With just that hour a week, Cindy and Tiffany are making a difference in Tiffany's life. School personnel have often told Cindy that Tiffany has made big changes and that she is almost a different child - in every positive way.
How does Tiffany see having a mentor has changed her life? Tiffany says she feels like she can talk to Cindy about what's going on in her life. When talking to others, Tiffany refers to Cindy as "my best friend, Cindy, my TeamMate."
Tiffany's mother appreciates the support Cindy offers -- the fact that Tiffany can open up to her TeamMate about anything, "including the things that are bothering her."
For Cindy, the reward of being a mentor is seeing the role she plays in Tiffany's life, reinforced by both Tiffany and her mother. "I've always felt we should make the most of every opportunity to help others and this [TeamMates] seemed like a small thing that I could do but one that could make a significant difference. I take this privilege and responsibility seriously."
Tiffany really looks forward to the time the two spend together. "I always think 'WHEN is she going to get here!?!'" Tiffany admits.
Cindy actively promotes TeamMates. "Any caring adult who has one hour a week could invest that time in the life of a child. There is a large waiting list in Lincoln. Why don't you contact TeamMates today. You won't be sorry and you'll make a student very happy."
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Judy Yost, Dawes Middle School TeamMates facilitator, recruited Doug. Doug admits it wasn't an easy sell at first. He finally relented. As a result, "Mohamed has changed my life," says Doug, retired Nebraska Department of Education Commissioner. "He barged into my heart before I even knew it." Mohamed, who is Sudanese, teaches Doug about his culture and religion, and Doug provides guidance and support.
For Mohamed, having a mentor means "someone is there for you, like family." Whenever Mohamed's family can't attend his band concerts or basketball games, Doug is always there. "It's amazing that he comes every week and spends time with me -- someone of his stature." Mohamed sees Doug as someone to look up to and is grateful to TeamMates for providing such an opportunity.
The two addressed a recognition luncheon attended by 122 people in January. Mohamed handled the talk like a pro. He also had the opportunity to interact with keynoter Rulon Gardner, an Olympic wrestler and motivational speaker.
"He's been a different person since the luncheon," Doug says.
When the two first met, Mohamed was quiet, shy and nervous. Doug is very proud of the young man he sees Mohamed growing into.
Doug wants Mohamed to know he is capable, worthy, and we care about him. It takes a village to raise a child and to Doug, TeamMates is a village in Lincoln.
As far as how Doug made time when he didn't think he had any -- "It's a matter of priorities. Just work out a schedule and even talk on the phone when one of you needs to miss visiting during the week."
