Our Guest Blogger today is CISNT Volunteer Mentor, Ms. Debbie Garison

The following is an email report I sent to my CISNT Program Manager at Central Elementary, Marisa Harley, yesterday after my first mentoring session this year.  I was involved with Saturday Connections at Central and developed a relationship with a student that resulted in one on one mentoring when she was in 3rd grade.  She is now a 5th grader.  Marisa asked me how everything went:

Our conversation was great.  She asked me about college.  I asked her if she wanted to go to college.  She said no.  I asked why.  She said it would be hard.  I explained that she had MS and HS to complete and then she'd be ready.  I then asked her if she was excited to be a 5th grader facing MS.  She said no because it makes her sad.  When I asked why she said,  because I'll miss you.  (There isn't adequate funding for a CISNT program at Huffines MS where she will be going next year.)  So...I took a deep breath.  She really matured over the summer.

I explained that Huffines doesn't have the mentoring program.  But let's not talk about the end of the year...let's enjoy now.  She offered that her family may move to another house.  I told her that if she goes to Delay I could probably still meet with her.  I'll keep quizzing her about the move just so I'm sensitive. 

Our goals for this year are:

1.  Speak up in class
I told her that her teacher gave you a great compliment about her.  That she is smart, but that she wishes she would speak up in class.  We talked about why she doesn't (shy and not sure if her answer is correct).  I told her those were good reasons, but...try.  I asked her if anyone had ever gotten in trouble for trying even if the answer was wrong.  She said no.  I suggested she could also be a leader for someone else in her class that was struggling with shyness and confidence too.  I think she was encouraged to participate more.

2.  Good attendance
I affirmed that this is already a point of strength for her.  I applauded her commitment to be at school.

3.  Try everyday.
This was her own goal for herself.  So we talked about what that means.

Yesterday was GREAT!!