I have a lot of irons in the fire. In fact, I have too many commitments at the present time. Some of them will end soon. I do see some light at the end of the tunnel. And it is just a busy time of year. Next school year I plan to cut a few things out of my schedule out of necessity. But there is one effort that will actually become a more significant priority.

I have volunteered as a reading mentor for about 5 years now in the BEAM Program (Baccus Elementary Academic Mentors). The website promoting the program states: The highly successful program involves helping at-risk students, one-on-one during the school year. Adult volunteers are asked to give one hour per week (30 minutes if you can’t spare an hour) to one student. The volunteer would help a student bring their reading skills to grade level or beyond.

My work schedule is extremely unpredictable. Over the past several years I have had to change my scheduled mentoring day and time countless times. There are weeks that I miss my time slot due to funerals or other crisis events. But I keep coming back. And thankfully BEAM coordinator Dana Reinke is extremely patient.

I volunteer my time in this program, because I want to instill confidence in these children in some small way. As I noted in a previous blog, my amazing 2nd grade teacher, Miss Erick, instilled such confidence in me. If that can happen in the caves that we met in back in the day for classrooms, then surely I can do the same as a mentor in today’s postmodern society. Yesterday was my final day for this academic year to read with my little second grader. I had no clue what that final day with my student was going to do to me.

The student I have had the second half of this year is a precious and sweet child. The first day we read together she lined me out on the rules and structure of the program. She made sure that I did everything in proper order each week. How could that child know that her mentor is a walking disaster area? She is obviously far too perceptive! I did my best to stay on my toes.

Many of the students that are involved in this program come from far less than ideal situations at home. I know for a fact that there are illegal drugs being manufactured, sold and abused at some of the homes where these children are being raised. Some of the kids lack basic life necessities. Others are living in situations where domestic violence and other forms of abuse are all too commonplace. However the little girl I have mentored most recently is bright, well groomed, and extremely well mannered. I thought she was an exception to the rule. I assumed that her home life is better than most of the kids that we host in this program. That assumption was only partially correct.
I must protect her privacy, so I will only give scant details. I can say that her mother is not involved in her life. Her father has at least some contact. Her grandparents are raising her. And I might add that they are doing an excellent job.

This sweet child reduced me to butter the first day I read with her. My heart melted quickly. She is a beautiful girl with such great potential. On our final day yesterday, she presented me with two gifts. One of the gifs is a golf package complete with a golf ball, tees, and marker. The other gift is a bookmark with her picture and signature.

I can’t really explain how I felt yesterday. I felt like I had just received two genuine treasures for starters. Kidnapping crossed my mind for a few brief seconds. I realized that old age is softening me. I also realized that I received far more benefit from being a mentor than she could have possibly gotten from this walking disaster area listening to her read. Most importantly a sweet little girl in the second grade helped me to be a better person this year. My student brought my heart skills to grade level or beyond… And for that I am thankful today.