YMI is nearing the end of another semester of school-based mentoring at Hamilton Southeastern Schools, and we are excited to share a glimpse of YMI’s impact with you. Meet Kevin and Juan!
Kevin is a sophomore at Fishers High School and a YMI mentee. He’s passionate about cars- certain models, how they operate, etc. Though he can’t drive yet, he follows his passion by playing motorsport videogames like Forza and Rocket League. He spends most of his free time with those who are most important to him: his friends and family.
Juan, Kevin’s mentor, is the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Enrollment at Ivy Tech. He has two kids who attend HSE schools, is a big supporter of local youth athletic programs, and has been mentoring with YMI for six years.
Four years ago, Kevin was a quiet student in intermediate school. His school counselor thought he could benefit from another caring adult in his life and recommended him to YMI. Research shows that young people need 4-6 caring adults supporting them through their developmental years, and Kevin was no exception. Juan was a long-time YMI mentor and was ready for a new match. Juan and Kevin were matched together and hit it off immediately.
Juan and Kevin continued meeting together all through Kevin’s intermediate and junior high school years. When he moved to the high school this year, Kevin knew YMI and meeting with Juan was something he wanted to prioritize and made sure it remained on his high school schedule. Juan has helped Kevin grow strong, independent, and confident. “I used to be very shy, and it was hard for me to open up to people before I met Juan.” Juan agreed, saying that he’s seen Kevin become more confident and open up about things that are challenging him. Carrie Duer, YMI Campus Coordinator at Fishers High School, calls Kevin one of the most personable and resilient kids she has worked with at YMI. “I think Juan has a lot to do with that.”
Mentoring is often thought to benefit the student the most, but Juan can see the impact in his own life as well. “I was able to attribute the skills I learned from befriending Kevin to my own personal life in building relationships with my kids, friends, and everyone I meet,” Juan shared.
This school year, YMI will continue to change the lives of nearly 300 students in grades 3-12, at HSE Schools. Caring adult mentors provide students with increased motivation, self-confidence, sense of belonging, problem-solving, and control with emotions and stress. We couldn’t do what we do without the unwavering support of our mentors, donors, and community partners. Thank you!