TeamMates of the Month Archive
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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."
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 fifith-grader Terran 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.
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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This one technique turned out to be a building block for achievement. According to Bryan, good notes led to better involvement in class, which led to better test grades, which led to less frustration and anger, which has resulted in an improved attitude, better grades and now a vision for the future.
"When my grades changed, my attitude followed," Bryan admits. "I never realized I had potential but people kept telling me I did. And now I get it!"
For the first time, Bryan has a goal in mind -- to graduate high school and go to college. He'd like to be a veterinarian.
"When I think about just the short time ago when I was getting D's and F's and now A's and B's, I'm amazed," says Bryan. He credits it to people who would not give up on him, including his mentor, Dwight.
"He's always there for me no matter what," Bryan says.
For Dwight, becoming a mentor was a natural fit, as he has been working with young people for more than 17 years. His day job is serving as executive director of Hub, an agency offering programs for young adults facing barriers in their lives. Volunteering as a TeamMate "is more about what I wanted to do rather than a professional obligation," says Dwight.
Dwight mentors two students -- Bryan and a young man in high school. He met Bryan in a book buddy program when Bryan was in the fifth grade. They clicked and continued together in the TeamMates program.
An "aha!" moment came for the two of them when Dwight was helping Bryan study for a science test. "I realized he got it -- he just needed to learn how to structure his learning process." So Dwight helped Bryan with better note taking and study habits.
"Everybody cares about him and wants him to succeed," Dwight says. "Now he's honoring their efforts."
Bryan admits it was hard to ask or accept help even if he wanted it. But he definitely appreciates everyone sticking with him.
"A mentor has the benefit of staying with students," according to Dwight. "The only job a mentor has is to be here, and support and encourage their mentee. It's basic -- it's what all people need."
Kris Costello and Le’Nya
Kris Costello and her mentee, Le'Nya, have been traveling around the world, taking in the culture, eating the foods, becoming versed in the facts about each country. And all without leaving Lincoln. TeamMates for three years, Kris and middle school student Le'Nya look for creative ways to express themselves and expand their horizons. | |
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One activity is ‘traveling.' Le'Nya picks a country she's interested in and the two of them go about doing research for a month. China was a favorite place. The ‘tour' ended with Chinese food from a Lincoln restaurant.
Kris, who has a degree in interior design, finds Le'Nya attuned to creative arts as well. After looking over homework or doing math facts during their weekly meetings, the two often delve into music, art, and creative writing. Recently they've started ‘add-on' stories. Each writes for five minutes, they exchange papers, and add to their partner's story.
Some of their projects exercise both artistry and values. They make cards and write creative verses to share with others.
"It's most important to focus on a person's strengths," says Kris, a mother of three boys. Often she brings her sketch books and art media and Le'Nya learns to draw or paint -- or whatever she desires. To Le'Nya's delight, she's currently learning how to draw animals.
The two of them enjoy their time together. At the beginning of the year, they develop plans for the year. They include ‘what's it going to take to be successful,' and ‘who are the people who can help?' This has been a tremendous boost for all involved. Kris says it has helped Le'Nya think of how successful people have many coaches in their lives. Together they periodically check in on the progress -- most notably, on what's Le'Nya's responsibility.
"I am so proud of Le'Nya and look forward to observing her academic and personal successes," Kris says. Le'Nya received a TeamMates Student Achievement Award this past January.
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Aubriesha ought to know -- she and Linda Heckert have been TeamMates since Aubriesha was in the fourth grade, six years. "I really like how we get along…and we talk when we have problems."
Linda agrees. "I really enjoy Aubriesha. We've gotten very close. I think we'll have a friendship forever."
Linda raised three sons so being a journeymate for a young woman opened new experiences and opportunities. The two of them love to sew, something they do at school during their meetings.
"I love sewing now and she taught me so much," Aubriesha says.
Sewing isn't the only thing this mentee has learned. She says she's now getting better grades and is learning more about right from wrong. "I feel like I can talk to her any time," Aubriesha relates.
For Linda, becoming a TeamMate was one of the ways to participate in the community. She's employed by People's Choice Federal Credit Union, which is supportive of her involvement.
If Linda was to give advice someone thinking about being a TeamMates mentor, it would be: "Do it! The rewards are so meaningful. The experience changes me as a person too."
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"I get there and it's totally worth it!" Nathen says. "It's the best thing I do all week."
Nate and Charles have a bond that has grown over the past three years of their match. They meet for 45 minutes every week, including 15 minutes for lunch, which means Charles, a fifth grader, gives up a recess.
For Charles, their meetings are worth every thing he may need to give up. As he puts it: For example, last year when I was having trouble getting my work done and staying in the classroom Nate talked to me about doing my assignments and he helped me get caught up so I could get back to class."
According to Nathen, this has helped move him into getting A's and B's in all subjects. "I tell him that his job is going to school."
Schoolwork is only one part of their time together. They like to team-read a book, work on computers, play games, do brain teasers -- lots of things these two guys just love doing.
Charles says it all comes down to this: "I know he really likes me because he listens to me."
Nate reports that when somebody asks Charles if that's his dad, Charles says, "No, he's my buddy."
Oh, and on Charles' nomination of Nathen for the TeamMates Hall of Fame, his P.S. was "Nate always wears really cool ties." You see, Nathen is the manager of Gary Michael's Clothiers store.
