Mentor Monday: Meet Dave

Q. Who is your mentee?
A. Isaiah

Q. How long have you been a mentor?

A. 2-1/2 years

Q. What is the best thing about mentoring?
A. I really enjoy spending time with Isaiah and hearing all about what went on in his life for the week. I enjoy when we do activities, but really enjoy just listening to his stories and the questions he has stored up for me.

Q. What has the biggest challenge been?
A. Realizing I cannot fix everything for Isaiah. I feel I am a good influence on him, but realize he has challenges everyday that I am not even aware of.

Q. What made you become a mentor?
A. I really enjoy kids and and wanted to help in any way I could. There are so many children out there that could benefit from positive influences in their lives and knowing that I am helping makes me feel good.

Q. Why would you recommend someone become a mentor?
A. Most definitely! I started doing this to help and soon realized I was the one gaining from this experience. My kids are now grown it is so nice to hear all of the stories of what goes on in a child's life and how they react and interpit these experiences. Also knowing that you are helping by providing stability and offering alternative solutions for their issues is very rewarding.

Q. What was the biggest surprise about mentoring?
A. How much I get back in return from Isaiah, he has such a big heart and is so open to sharing it.

Q. Anything else you'd like to share?
A. I would like to thank Mary for all the work she and the UpCenter do!