This month we are taking a look at the relationship between 2nd grader Felix and his mentor Edward, from Marsh & McLennan Companies.
Felix is a rambunctious student who has been thriving on the extra one-on-one attention Read Ahead’s program provides. Edward has done an amazing job of channeling Felix’s energy into fun, productive sessions where reading has been transformed into an activity Felix looks forward to. Their Program Coordinator Marissa notes what a fantastic job Edward has done with Felix. The pair has developed a strong connection and Felix’s desire to read has grown exponentially over the course of the school year.
Felix and Edward’s relationship demonstrates the impact of positive mentoring. The opportunity to share knowledge and growth is mutually beneficial—many mentors say that they get as much out of the program as their students. Above all, the time Edward has devoted to get to know Felix, to share things that are important to him, is the driving force behind the pair’s success together.
Edward’s dedication has shown Felix that there is someone who cares about him, reinforcing that he has someone there for him each week who he can laugh with or talk to about challenges in his life. This kind of positive reinforcement has a powerful effect on a young student in a variety of personal, academic, and professional situations. Felix and Edward’s connection perfectly illustrates the impact a strong mentor can have on a young student’s life.