theconnectionsnj.com SENIOR LIVING PAGE 32 ow wonderful it is to realize that the wisdom we have acquired as we age can make a huge difference in the life of a young person. That is the gift several of us in our community have given ourselves. We are mentors participating in a comprehensive program that provides low-income, academically qualified, high school students with a guaranteed two-year college scholarship. The goal is to provide these determined and committed high school students with the tools they need to succeed, and it is made clear that this is not charity. The students have as much a role in their success as the mentors do. They must maintain their grades, meet regularly with their mentors, and continue their involvement with their community. Additionally, they need to reach out if they need tutoring, which will be provided, and they also regularly meet with a college counselor. There are countless programs such as ours, Take Stock in Children, throughout the country, and ours is limited to Palm Beach County, Florida. I am so proud of the interaction I have with my mentee, with whom I meet each week at her high school, during her lunch period. We talk openly about her dreams, goals, frustrations, and interests. There are times when she is open and excited, and others when she is more reserved. My position is to be her guide, a “big sister,” coaching her on the impact the decisions she makes today will have on her future. So, here is the gift I receive each week, the one I encourage anyone wishing to share the wisdom we have acquired. Returning to high school makes me immediately feel younger; the vibrancy and energy are compelling. I am amazed at the hive of activity all day, albeit saddened by the amount of security necessary. I am immensely heartened by the way all my mentoring friends and I feel about the young people we only met a few months ago. We all seem to have been matched with the young person we most needed, and who most needed us. If you are in search of a way to give, to love, and to grow, consider mentoring. It is a mutual exploration, one which will deepen as time goes on. Some days it is playing Wordle and Connections together, while others it is guidance on what type of dress to wear to the Military Ball. And then sometimes, it is simply knowing there is a hug when we meet, and one when we part. I hope it shows my mentee how important she is to me…it certainly shows me I am just that to her! SENIOR CORNER Seniors Have So Much to Share By Ellyn Mantell H PREMIERE INDEPENDENT LIVING l ASSISTED LIVING l MEMORY CARE At Mira Vie at Warren, you should expect to be treated like family. With individualized plans and purpose-built communities, our uniquely comprehensive professional support services are provided respecting our residents’ independence and integrity. BOOK YOUR VISIT TODAY! Contact Elyssa at DSM@miraviewarren.com 274 King George Road l Warren, NJ 07059 908.903.0911 l MiraVieSeniorLiving.com Have You Seen
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