Before I gave up on corporate life, I joined a mentoring program at a local city school with a few of my co-workers. My job is long gone but I still go to mentoring every Wednesday afternoon. I volunteer at a magnet school which attracts bright students who happen to live in some of Baltimore’s most crime-ridden areas. These middle-schoolers have seen more violence in their young lives than most adults see in a lifetime. I am continuously inspired by their inner-strength and spirit. Many times I leave our sessions thinking that my mentee has taught me more than I will ever be able to pass along to her.
On Wednesday we started a service project making beaded bracelets. The bracelets will be sold to raise money for Haiti’s earthquake victims. I have a feeling that I will end up buying all of the bracelets that my mentee and I make, and that is just fine with me. I am happy that the school encourages its students to contribute to society and help others. I wish more public schools could follow their lead.