STARS Testimonials

Dave, Volunteer Mentor, Centennial Job Corps Center, Idaho

I joined the STARS program because I like to work with kids and had some extra time to volunteer. The pilot program happened to be starting up and I liked the challenge of being the first group to try to make the program work.

Because it was the pilot program, there were a few more kids than there were volunteers. I accepted three kids under my wing to mentor and get to know. My goal was to try to keep them all in Job Corps and to let them know that I really cared about them. There were no specific tips and clues as to how to reach the kids, so every meeting was a great learning experience for me as well as for the kids in my group. 

The kids started with some hardened attitudes and distrust towards yet another adult in their life telling them what to do. But within a short time, the kids were opening up to me and the other group members. I was then able to talk to them about their life decisions without them being threatened or feeling like I was preaching to them. 

With a small amount of effort and a large amount of caring on my part, the boys quickly trusted me and really listened to what I had to say. Words can't describe how rewarding it is to see kids go from a hardened “don't care” attitude to a “what can I do to better my life” attitude. 

I regularly talk with the kids about the challenges in their lives and, depending on their choices, what the consequences of their actions are. The next time we meet they tell me how things turned out and you can see that they are really trying hard to make me proud of them. You can see that they are really listening, even though many have known few people in their lives who ever listened or cared about them.

Whenever I hear anyone saying that kids these days don't have respect or don't have what it takes to be successful, I always ask them “What are they doing about it?” I am able to tell them that I am having a positive influence on the younger generation and it brings me great hope and happiness to know that they are really listening. They just need someone who really cares to point them in the right direction. You can make a difference in not only these kids’ lives, but their future family’s lives as well.

Abhishek, Volunteer Mentor, Centennial Job Corps Center, Idaho

I believe that STARS is doing a wonderful job of involving both volunteers and students. It provides an excellent platform for students in the Job Corps program to discuss their goals and ambitions with the volunteers, and gives them a friend and a mentor. It also better prepares them for the world outside Job Corps.

I look forward to spending time with my student, Eric, every other week. I can see the positive change in Eric's outlook and his increased focus on going into the military. I have learned so much through this experience and would definitely encourage anyone who is thinking of volunteering to pursue it. You always have something to contribute and learn, and some of these kids have experienced a lot of life in a very short time.

These young people have also experienced many contrasts between seeing who they are today versus where their potential could take them in the future. As a volunteer, I notice that their awareness of these contrasts gives them the determination and the motivation to become better people in life, provided they get the right direction.

John, Volunteer Mentor, Homestead Job Corps Center, Florida

I started being a mentor back in December 2006 and currently meet each week with two male students for one hour in a group session. Each student in the beginning was naturally reluctant to be totally open in regards to individual concerns, as establishing trust is imperative in a mentor/student relationship.  As frustrating as this can be, which is to be expected in a new program, it is rewarding for this mentor to observe what began as an "icy" and suspicious introduction begin to "melt" into a more relaxing atmosphere, allowing the students to talk plainly.

It has been rewarding for this mentor to be able to be "an ear" and help them cope with being at the Job Corps center, listening to their goals for after Job Corps.  In fact, after the summer break, we all agreed that I would meet with them individually so I can further develop the mentor relationship and help them with their individual issues.

Yoselyn to her STARS mentor, Michelle, Homestead Job Corps Center, Florida

“I know that I have just recently met you, but I would like to say thank you for talking to me and for helping me with my problems and giving me advice in life.”

Jelaine, Student, Homestead Job Corps Center, Florida

My mentor, Mr. Cruz, is the coolest!  He is real and he helps me get things done to better our future. " What are you doing to get where you want to get?" is among the questions he asks that makes me think, so we know exactly what needs to be done.  There is no other mentor like mine! 

Anonymous to his STARS mentor, Homestead Job Corps Center, Florida

He is a great person who has been through a lot.  He is wise and an older person, so he can teach me some stuff that he has experienced already!  I like my mentor because I have someone to look up to and that is something that I really did not have while growing up and I am glad that I have that now!

Myrt, Volunteer Mentor, Batesville Job Corps Center, Mississippi

As an ex-Job Corps Deputy Director, I was happy to be back working with youth.

A student, Demetric, came to Job Corps with his high school diploma.  He was quiet, but had some anger.  He told me on our first meeting that he refused to talk during the session.  So we both sat there quietly, but at the next meeting Demetric started talking and stayed past the one-hour session.  He started being the first one to come to mentoring on scheduled nights. I waited for him to open up. He later became the leader for his dorm and a peer leader.

Zola, Volunteer Mentor, Batesville Job Corps Center, Mississippi

My goal was to enhance the girl’s self-esteem.  Jasmine was a high school completer and wanted to get a skill in the Health Occupation.  She told me that she had many problems at home and didn’t feel happy about herself.  Her outer and inner appearance was poor.  After several sessions, I could see how well she started to look on the outside and feel good about herself.  She is now a completer and working in her field.

Annie, Volunteer Tutor, Batesville Job Corps Center, Mississippi 

I just enjoy being a part of the Job Corps STARS initiative.  I want every young person I tutor to get their high school diploma or GED. 

Kenna, Student, Batesville Job Corps Center, Mississippi

I had many issues at home and thought that this would be the place for me.  I got here and had issues also, but I had mentors and tutors to coach me through the difficult times.  I have recently finished my high school diploma class and completed my trade in welding.  I will be leaving in August 2007.  I was a peer leader, but I got into trouble and had to resign.  Now I’m on the right track again.

Rickey, Volunteer Mentor, Batesville Job Corps Center, Mississippi

I just want to help. The young people need us.