Mentoring Freshmen by Micayla

Mentoring Freshmen by Micayla - December 2016 Scholarship Essay

As a senior I have been through many of the struggles every high school student goes through. My school has started a mentor program that allows for seniors and high quality juniors to help freshmen through those struggles. I originally thought that all my duties would include are simple things such as schedule changes, finding classrooms, and helping to set up their student accounts. However the students I received had much bigger problems; they came from a hard background of foster families, bullying, and low self esteem from the hardships. My initial reaction was to take a stand for what was happening, but I didn’t know how as I’ve grown up in a loving home with two emotionally supportive parents.
I started off with showing the students I cared about them and wanted to help. I was there for them when they needed me and fought for their trust. The students opened up to me about their lives. I was able to help them through some of their issues and set them up with our counselor to get professional help. The students attitudes and grades have increased dramatically. I am so proud to have been apart of the students winning battle. It's really helped me appreciate the life that I have, and put my struggles aside to help the students.