When we embarked on this semester, I had an idea of how Literacy Mentoring might work virtually, but honestly, I was skeptical. However as the first semester came to a close, floods of sweet stories came pouring in. The overall theme is relationships. Literacy Mentoring 2020: light on the literacy, double dose of mentoring.

We all desire to feel special, to be listened to, and to have the full attention of those we look up to – kids are no different. Their self-esteem and self image is largely built on how others view and treat them in those early years. In this virtual 2020 year, our literacy mentors provided students with a much-needed sense of importance and love. Mentors met with just one student, multiple times a week – often providing the only one-on-one adult interaction the students received. 

Mentors shared how students would log in to sessions early, eagerly waiting for their mentors’ arrival and then ask to stay late or, “Can I see you again tomorrow?” On some occasions, parents asked mentors if they could add a third day of the week or sign up their other child for a mentor too. Mentors spoke of learning how to actively listen, incorporate drawing and games (“hundreds of tic-tac-toe games”) and emotional vocabulary. One student logged into a session crying – she was having a hard time at home but chose to stay in the session for the attention and support. Most sessions were full of laughter and “show and tell” as kids excitedly displayed their newest tricks, toys, pets, and jokes. One student often gave his mentor “homework” in the form of a riddle to solve. 

Relationships extended beyond the sessions as well. Over 70 of our mentors went the extra mile by dropping off a resource bag at the students’ home. It was exciting for both the mentor and student to see each other in person for the first time (from a distance). “Wow you’re so tall!” Mentors and parents were able to form a relationship this year too! Most parents and mentors texted back and forth multiple times a week – about session times, progress, and occasionally other needs. One parent asked where she can find a teenage counseling service, another asked about food resources – as a result, our mentors found themselves almost standing in as a pseudo-social worker.  

The power of their connection is summed up well in this awesome video made by a group of our Fresno State Literacy Mentors. 

Also in this quote from Fresno State intern Alondra Zarate-Zavala: “I was able to form a very special and positive relationship with my student and I was able to learn so much from her as a person. It brings me joy that I was able to be that positive role model she needed in her life, and I also love that her family would tell me how happy she would be to see me every week and talk about me to them…Working with ENP has encouraged me to continue to give back to my community and it has truly increased my passion for working with youth.” 

May we all continue to find ways to engage and connect in 2021!