Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Smithey recruiting mentors for Gurdon youth

How important is it to have mentors in the community?

According to Jean Smithey, with the 21st Century Community Learning Center Program, it is highly important.

Smithey was the guest speaker at the Gurdon Rotary Club meeting on Thursday, January 8. During the program Smithey shared three stories written by three different authors about children who at some point in their life was given that extra boost by a teacher or someone and how it changed their life.

The first was about a boy named Jonathan who was in first grade. The little boy was described in the book to be dirty, smelly and not very smart. His teacher at first didn't show much attention to the boy and one day she decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. She did, she gave him the special attention he was needing and before the end of the school year he had caught up with all the other children. Year's later the teacher had to have heart surgery and when the doctor came in it was Jonathan.

Smithey held back tears as she read the stories to the Rotarians.

"You don't realize what a little extra effort can do for one child. It's not that the parents are bad parents, but sometimes children need more attention from someone," said Smithey.

Smithey went on to tell a story about a young boy who was enthusiastic and kept his basketball team in good spirits. He became an inspiration to the school principal and one day the principal noticed he had not seen the young man around campus. Finally one of the teachers informed the principal, the young man could not read and was a special education student.

The principal couldn't understand why the young man could do so much, but couldn't read. He began to mentor the young man and soon he could read.

"The moral of this story, is sometimes all children need is the extra push from an adult to show them they can do anything," said Smithey.

Gurdon Primary School Principal Rita Roe was quoted by Smithey as saying, "Some kids would rather stay at school with us than go home." Smithey explained that Roe didn't mean this in a bad manner, it was just that some children get more attention at school and enjoy it more.

Smithey said she felt it was important to work with the Cabe Middle School students at this time.

"It has been said, if you can get a child's interest before or during the seventh grade, then you might have a chance of making a positive influence on them," said Smithey.

Gurdon children need mentors Smithey said.

"If anyone would like to be a mentor, we can set them up with a child. A few tips for anyone in Gurdon who is considering being a mentor, are: Be prepared to invest time and extra effort in establishing and maintaining your relationship with the Student Mentee. You must be able to earn and keep their trust. You must be consistent and reliable. Always follow through with your promises. Know and observe appropriate policies on dress code, language and behavior. Remember to respect your Student Mentee's privacy. Always convey a sense of respect and dignity. And finally, remember that time is the gift you give to your Student Mentee. Any other gifts you choose to give should be reserved only for very special occasions and should be reasonably priced," Smithey told the group.

With the packet Smithey passed out to the group she enclosed a quote saying, "A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove.

"......But the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child." The author was unknown.

Anyone interested in becoming a mentor should contact Smithey at (870) 353-5321.