Meet Rose!

Meet Rose, a mentor from Camas, Washington. Recently, she shared her positive experience mentoring. 

“I’ve volunteered as a mentor for T.R.A.C.life for about 6 months after being a counselor at girl's T.R.A.C. last year. Mentoring was doable for me, and I saw how consistent time could benefit a youth living the realities of the inconsistencies and disappointments that go along with life in foster care. I wanted to let at least one kid know she mattered enough for me to take time with her and continue to show up to be her friend.   

We’ve gone to coffee shops, picnics at the park, church, football games, and out to lunch. She’s very willing to share her thoughts and feelings with me. In fact, I’ve actually been surprised at how mature and well-adjusted my mentee is. She has shown me how much of a difference it can make when you choose to have a gracious heart, letting go of bitterness even while having to acknowledge that wrong was done, and it's not your fault. 

Initially my mentee got caught up into some trouble at school this year, but she hasn't had any of those issues in quite a while. She’s learning to make boundaries and choose friends wisely.  

Whether our time together is light or more serious, I love that we both enjoy each other. I love to hear the things she's proud of, embarrassed or frustrated about, and I so appreciate how she trusts me with her honesty. 

My advice to those considering mentoring: Be a friend! Although my mentee is pretty chatty even without prompting, I have learned that intentionally asking questions is still important, making her feel pursued. Questions prompt critical thinking, as well as dig a little deeper. Have a few questions you can jump between. 

• What is something you are looking forward to in the next couple weeks? 

• What is something hard that you are anticipating?

• Where do you go when you’re feeling lonely or when you need time to yourself?

• Why did that make you angry?

• Why do you think they responded that way to you?

Listen without judgment and look for opportunities to affirm youth as they explore positive coping mechanisms or emotional responses. Also, ask for permission to pray over them and their situations, whether you pray with them or on your own.”

Thank you, Rose, for pouring into the next generation!