Mentor/ACD Perspective from Mr. Sam

Over the last two years of After School Academy, I have learned a great deal about supporting and relating to our Scholars. I have learned to really listen to scholars and to take time to find out what’s happening in their world. I have learned how important it is to give them a voice and to collaborate with them. I have learned that it isn’t always easy or fun to mentor scholars, but it’s needed for them to grow. What I love most about working with our scholars is that they allow me to connect to the part of me that still loves being a child. Sharing in moments of banter with Hakeem, working with Avery through his tantrums, or watching Jason successfully implement the algorithm for solving a rubrics cube in fifteen minutes are all opportunities to connect with the scholars and learn. In all the business of Center, making time to share with them my connection to being their age and identifying with their successes and struggles is challenging, but necessary for them, and for me.

Supporting the mentors has been a personal learning experience, but one that has allowed me to see things from a broader perspective. Meeting people from all walks of life and learning to see the things from, and respecting their perspectives has been key to developing a culture at Center. The most impactful thing I have learned at Higher Achievement is the concept of task, relationship, and task. This idea is grounded by the belief that if you take care of the person that they will take care of the task. It has been my goal that Center is a place where mentors can come and contribute not only in relation to being a support for their scholars, but also to be a part of larger communities where they can explore their interests further and grow. The seed of this idea was planted with Ms. Heather’s pen pals program last year, and further instituted with Ms. Kate’s Career Fair. To see mentors incorporate areas of their personal lives into their mentoring sessions and to be more engaged at Center are great indicators of the kind of culture I want to see at Center. Moreover, watching returning mentors step forward and lead our community, while newer mentors grow and learn has been so inspiring. All of your needs for growth, engagement, support and development have facilitated opportunities for me to improve as well. Thank you all for helping me grow.

This year has had its ups and downs; it hasn’t been perfect, but it has been full of inspirational moments. Thank you all for the wonderful moments and memories and for allowing me to get to know and serve all of you.