It’s been an incredible Volunteers Week. As part of the nation-wide #volunteersweek campaign we decided to showcase Young Glasgow Talent’s amazing volunteers. Today we meet our final mentor, Morag!
A huge thankyou to everyone who has taken part. The mentors who told us their stories, and everyone who celebrated them with us! It’s been truly inspiring to hear how each mentor is supporting their mentee. As well as to hear how each young person has flourished under the guidance of their mentor.
Our fabulous mentors are making life-changing differences to Glasgow’s disadvantaged young people. Our city’s young people are disadvantaged through no fault of their own. Our mentors help them find, grow and use their talents.
We really can’t celebrate them enough! So this week we’re letting you get up close and personal with them. Find out what makes them tick and learn more becoming a part of our amazing community!
Full Name: Morag Thomson
Mentoring School: Eastbank Academy
Length of Time Mentoring: 6 months
Q1: What first inspired you to get involved in our YGT mentoring programme?
I was lucky to have a range of mentors in my life and they influenced and shaped choices and paths I chose. I felt that I had a broad range of experiences that could help a young person build confidence and guide them to have an alternative path for their future. YGT’s Mentoring programme appealed as I thought there would be like-minded people from across a range of backgrounds, similarly sharing their experiences. The resources and having an MCR Co-ordinator also seemed to signal a professional approach.
Q2: How was your very first meeting with your young person?
I was quite nervous but my mentee put me at ease! We talked about general interests, backgrounds and experiences. They talked about their interests and possible aims and aspirations.
Q3: How much have you seen your young person grow and develop since that first meeting?
A recognition of strengths and validation of what they are good at. They’re becoming more aware of the different opportunities that are available.
Q4: With your support and with your young person’s motivation, commitment and resilience, what stage has your mentee now reached in their journey?
We’re at a very early stage – looking at building confidence, developing skills for study, awareness of University degrees and future jobs/careers.
Q5: How unique has this experience been for you? How rewarding has it been to see your mentee grow and develop under your invaluable support?
My mentee is interested in what I have to suggest and is being open about alternative ideas. Sometimes we see the humorous side of things which is great. They are aware of choices and the work that needs to be put in to achieve the aspirations. We are working on future tools and techniques for studying and work experience/volunteering.
Q6: What has been the major highlight of your experience so far with your young person?
Early on, we worked on a psychometric assessment quiz (via one of the MCR Pathways partner recommended sites). This was an “eye opener” as the profile and possible career/roles were not what my young person had considered. They agreed with the accuracy of the psychometric profile. This has opened up a new beginning and possible study/career options to explore. There is trust and curiosity during our discussions which is humbling.
Q7: What would you say to someone that has been inspired by our amazing community and is looking to get involved in the YGT programme?
Go for it! You may not think you are making a difference after each meeting but your mentee will tell you differently. What have you got to lose?
More young people than ever before are signing up for the YGT programme. Can you support them by becoming a volunteer mentor?
If you’d like to hear what our young people have to say first hand, watch our youtube video here:
Is there a friend or family member that you know would make a perfect mentor. Send them our way! We’re looking for new mentors to match with young people at our new schools. We have loads of new young people waiting. You or someone you know could be the perfect mentor for them!
