Read Ahead is fortunate to be supported by many incredible mentors who volunteer year after year, including Glenda Campozano! Glenda has been mentoring since 2015 through her employer, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP.
Why did you choose to be a Read Ahead mentor?
I began school in the U.S. in second grade. I never went to school in my native country, Ecuador because my parents were working on getting my brothers and sisters to New York.
I didn’t know English and at that time there were no bilingual classes. I remember my best friend was a girl who was mute. So we both could understand each other through eye contact and signs. But I learned English pretty fast. One of the reasons I decided to join Read Ahead is to give back to the community and help children who have a hard time communicating. And I love reading.
Do you have a favorite book that you’ve read together so far, or favorite activity that you’ve done together?
I can’t remember a book off hand – there were several, but Hannaly likes to play board and card games. She LOVES to win!
I 💛 Read Ahead because it gives me the opportunity to spend special times with a student separate from the regular work/business environment. Hannaly is such a bright child who shares with me her family/school stories. I look forward to these times.
Can you share a favorite story, anecdote or moment that really resonated with you from your time as a mentor?
A story doesn’t come to mind, but I look forward to Hannaly telling me her stories for the past week. I learn more about her parents, sisters, brother and her pets!
In your opinion, what is the best part of being a Read Ahead mentor?
The best part of Read Ahead is spending time with my mentee. I look forward to walking/going to the school and feeling the environment of the school. Secondly, rediscovering the books I used to read as a child and the new books written since then for elementary school children.
Read Ahead loves to share great stories from our community – we hope they bring a smile to your face! Do you have a story to share, or an idea for something you’d like to see on our blog? We’d love to hear from you! Contact us at communications@readahead.org