It’s Volunteer Week!
As part of the nation-wide #volunteersweek campaign we’re delighted to showcase Young Glasgow Talent’s amazing volunteers!
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: Claire Miller
Mentoring School: St Andrews
Length of Time Mentoring: 3 months
Q1: What first inspired you to get involved in our YGT mentoring programme?
I heard about the mentoring programme and instantaneously acknowledged the benefits the programme would have on our young people. On a personal level, I reflected on my own time at school and realised that I would have greatly benefitted of having a mentor, therefore there was no doubt in my mind that I would become one.
Q2: How was your very first meeting with your young person?
Prior to the first meeting I was nervous, but during the first meeting I soon realised I had no reason to be nervous at all. I went in with an agenda to identify what I could do to support my young person; however we spent the meeting getting to know one another. Prior to the meeting I thought I would be a great influence on my young person, although I soon realised my young person is as much as an inspiration to me, as I planned to be for them. I left the meeting with great satisfaction and excitement, and I left wondering why I hadn’t become a mentor sooner.
Q3: How much have you seen your young person grow and develop since that first meeting?
My mentee has become more confident and shown a real dedication to do well at school to pursue a career in her dream job. She acknowledges the importance of attendance in school and finding a balance between social life and studying. I have really enjoyed being part of that. My mentee inspires me, as she shows such dedication and motivation in everything she does.
Q4: With your support and with your young person’s motivation, commitment and resilience, what
stage has your mentee now reached in their journey?
Academically, my mentee will remain in school before proceeding to further education as she inspires to do. I acknowledge with guidance and support she is more than capable of doing so. My mentee is determined and certain of her career choice, and shows the skills and qualities of an individual who would work well in her career path. Academically she still has time to go, however mentally, she is already there.
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?
Reflecting on our meetings, I don’t think there are words to describe the rewarding feeling and satisfaction I gain weekly from meeting with my mentee. The experience is really fantastic and I don’t think there is any greater feeling knowing you are there for someone, for anything they need on a weekly basis, whether it’s homework help or a lending ear. My mentee isn’t just an individual I meet with weekly we have built a good trusting relationship, and every session gives us the opportunity to build on it, and I enjoy her sense of humour and learning about the hobbies she enjoys.
Q6: What has been the major highlight of your experience so far with your young person?
Since meeting with my mentee, I feel I have learned a lot about myself. Sometimes when we meet I wonder if I’m really doing anything to help, but I think that’s quite common to think that. I know that when she engages with me, and turns up every week, I must be doing something right! Building our relationship has been extremely rewarding. On one particular occasion, I helped my mentee revise for an exam, and on our next meeting she was ecstatic to inform me she had passed, and it was great seeing her happy and achieving her goals.
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?
I couldn’t encourage it enough. Becoming a mentor is possibly the most satisfying and exciting opportunity you may ever experience. Prior to your initial meeting there are great educational and training sessions, which are really enjoyable and this gives you the chance to meet with other trainee mentors. The session also gives you the opportunity to discuss any questions you may have. I also have a pathways coordinator who works in my mentee’s school who I can contact for any information I need. There’s always support for you if you need it. I truly encourage anyone considering mentoring to just go for it and see for yourself how truly amazing and rewarding the experience is.
More young people than ever before are signing up for the YGT programme. Can you support them by becoming a volunteer mentor? Just visit this link. You’ll be joining an amazing community! Full of like minded and committed people. Keep an eye on our website, Facebook , Linkedin and Twitter until 12th June to meet many more!
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! Visit our website and find out more today.
