Mentoring is a Two-Way Street
Synopsis:
Do you have the perfect life? Financial freedom? Satisfying work? Your life is full and gratifying, right? Volunteering is thought to be about giving ... make no mistake ... you receive, as well. Full article available online in the Pay It Forward department, www.Luxveria.com.
Sometimes we don’t know what we’re missing.
Book Excerpt:
Early in 1998 Brax Cutchin volunteered for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County program, largely as a referral by his sister who inspired him with her Big Sister experience. He had always placed a high value on volunteerism and in his late twenties, felt it was time to go beyond just making donations and attending charity events.
“The initial process was pretty intense,” said Cutchin. BBBS volunteers are thoroughly screened not only with background checks, but to determine their value to a child in terms of character, as well as distinguishable talents.
Cutchin met his “Little,” Zak Hinkley, an impressionable seven-year-old, more than 10 years ago. (Age seven is the youngest age BBBS-San Diego County allows into the program.) He explained the arrangement, “Once accepted, we’re asked to commit two to four hours a month for one year; but with Zak, I’m not surprised it’s lasted longer.” In June, Cutchin attended Zak’s high school graduation.
Although they seemed to hit it off from their first meeting, Cutchin was apprehensive that with his small town upbringing he would not relate to Zak’s city life. Add to that Zak’s high degree of intelligence for a little guy “… he knew the art style of Monet and watched PBS on TV,” said Cutchin; and you had the makings of a true “odd couple.”Author Comment:
Writing this article was a true delight. I learned why people volunteer to mentor our youth and how they reap as much reward as the youngster.
Topics/Categories:
Brothers, Family, mentoring, San Diego, Sisters, volunteering
Genre:
Type of Work:
Purchase From:
Formats:
Luxveria Luxury Living magazine in stores through September 2008 and online at http://www.luxveria.com
- Send To A Friend
- Bookmark With:
