Today it’s the turn of two more mentors! Jules McKim and Margaret Edwards.
Both Jules and Margaret are new to mentoring. With brand new relationships with their young people, this is a really exciting time for any mentor. Find out how they’ve found their experiences so far. This is a fantastic insight for anyone considering mentoring, who hasn’t before.
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: Jules McKim
Mentoring School: Eastbank Academy
Length of Time Mentoring: 3 months
Q1: What first inspired you to get involved in our YGT mentoring programme?
I was keen to offer support to a young person and to offer any guidance required. With so many children going through the care system, it only felt right to do what I can to support.
Q2: How was your very first meeting with your young person?
I was really nervous meeting her for the first time, however it was very informal and nothing to worry about.
Q3: How much have you seen your young person grow and develop since that first meeting?
Since our first meeting she has become more open and seems at ease. She now contributes more and asks questions.
Q4: With your support and with your young person’s motivation, commitment and resilience, what stage has your mentee now reached in their journey?
Still in the early stages however I am really happy with how things are progressing.
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?
It was difficult at first as it has taken a while to build a rapport. Last week’s session was the best we have had – I felt really positive about it.
Q6: What has been the major highlight of your experience so far with your young person?
Seeing her become more confident and interacting.
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?
It is definitely worth considering. One hour of your time once a week is nothing and can go a long way towards supporting a young person.
Full Name: Margaret Edwards
Mentoring School: Smithycroft
Length of Time Mentoring: 5 months
Q1: What first inspired you to get involved in our YGT mentoring programme?
I saw an article in the Herald and thought the idea sounded very worthwhile as I could have done with some help as a teenager.
Q2: How was your very first meeting with your young person?
A bit awkward as we didn’t know each other at all but it was ok – my mentee was very nice.
Q3: How much have you seen your young person grow and develop since that first meeting?
My mentee has attended every meeting which indicates that she wants to be there. She responds and initiates ideas a bit more.
Q4: With your support and with your young person’s motivation, commitment and resilience, what stage has your mentee now reached in their journey?
She seems to be lifting her ideas of what might be possible to tackle and has made more choices for her subjects for the coming school year.
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?
This has been a very comfortable experience where I think my mentee enjoys having discussions about the wider world as well as school.
Q6: What has been the major highlight of your experience so far with your young person?
The last meeting my mentee chose more subjects for her next term than I had expected.
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 think this is a very worthwhile experience and gives the young person unconditional support that they might not otherwise receive.
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.
