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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.
With a small amount of effort and a large amount of caring on my part, the students 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.
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!
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.