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MENTORS. Our Guide to the Future
New Mentor Program for Alisal Seniors

Our seniors have created a Mentor/Student leadership & speaking workshop series where they will practice their public presentation skills & strengthen their confidence. They will know themselves better, and best of all: they get to team up with mentors for the experience!

All participating mentors will receive the Ritchie Valens Service Award!

From the family of famed Singer Ritchie Valens. Adults will have their picture taken with brothers Bob and Mario and receive an award certificate.

This project is a place where mentors and students will get learn from each other and the young adults will learn about the benefits of the mentors. own valuable education and experiences in the work world.

Meetings will be held on the Alisal campus the second and fourth Thursdays of the month from 4:00-6:00 P.M.

• February 16th
• March 2nd, 9th and 23rd
• April 6th, and 20th
• May 11th FINALE!

IF YOU would like to be a MENTOR, click here to fill out an application or contact Bradley Ashbyat 796-7600 or bashby@salinas.k12.ca.us

Why be a Mentor?
In our classrooms, such questions as "Why are we doing this?" "How will I use this in my life?" "What's the point?" abound.

Students today are struggling with these questions. Our schools, due to budget reductions, can no longer afford counselors, so students are left to find answers on their own. The problem lies in the fact that often they don't know which questions to ask. Lacking this guidance, students fail to see the relevance of what's being taught in the classroom. So there they are, many without the support of a stable family, in a system that seems a shambles, learning things that to them seem useless and irrelevant.... it's no wonder they so often ask, "What's the point?"

Our goal is to show students that what they learn in school is relevant and practical. We want to send them into the post high school world PREPARED - sharp, marketable, and directed. The first step is to make them believe that they can. And that's where you come in.

So often mentors ask, "What do I have to offer?" The answer: The wisdom of experience. If you've ever said, "If I had only known then what I know now...", this is your opportunity to share those gems of wisdom. Students have little idea what the "real world" is like. A mentor can give students insight into the realities of the work world.

Our students want to be given reasons to value education, and to understand that what they are learning is applicable in the real world. Spending a couple of hours a month with a student may seem insignificant, but the effects, we assure you, are profound.

What does a mentor do?
Job Shadow
Have your student follow you around as you go by your everyday work schedule. Or go back to high school again and follow your student.

Be a Chatter Box
Talk to your student about what you wished you would of known when you were seventeen. Talk about this any chance you get. Anywhere, anytime, anyplace.

Be Inquisitive
Ask your student questions. Ask them what they plan to do after high school and how they plan to achieve that. Be ready to help them in answering such questions because they'll need it.

Attend Recreational or Cultural Activities
Many students are not exposed to enriching activities such as visits to museums, plays, and sporting events. These experiences can interest and encourage students to pursue new areas of learning.

Tutor
As a mentor, you should feel free to help students with homework. Getting involved with their school work is a good way to relate to them, since you've already gone through high school.

Attend Student's Activities
If your student is involved in extracurricular activities, you should attend to show then your support and that you care.

Do Things in Groups
Join in activities with other mentors and students. Students will enjoy interacting and meeting other people.

Interested? Click here for a mentor application.