A Mentor Reminisces

Emily Nagel, AmeriCorps Mentor at Wright Elementary

Mmm... fall time, like I know it, has finally arrived to my new home of Santa Rosa. I once again feel like I am back in the Midwest with crisp, cool air, vibrant trees, and hot apple cider. I was almost certain that this comforting feeling of fall would be forever absent during my time away from home. And although my favorite season has slowly approached us I have been reminded of what I do on a daily basis that can provide more comforts than those of fall time:

First grader Joe, whom I pick up first thing in the morning, is always eager to sport his perfectly gelled hair, giggling as he calls me Ms. Bagel.

Selomie's curiosity exhibits her eagerness to learn and continues to shine in all of her accomplishments.

For Bianca, creating a rendition of the material from High School Musical is a guarantee that she will earn her sticker for the day.

Grayson graciously throws me high fives and excitedly shares his childhood adventures of exploring the city "Francisco" with me.

Fredy, whom I have nicknamed the "Fredster", initiates conversations about animals, the universe and how the human race could potentially survive without the sun.

And how could I forget Shawn. A student in my afterschool class and a guarantee to brighten my day, he repeatedly tells me about his aspirations of becoming a professional NASCAR driver and his future plans of traveling to Florida to see Jimmy Johnson win the title for another year.

I have realized that I am teaching more than phonetics and sight words, I am being a role model and a mentor. Perhaps my students might not always remember the material but they can count on Ms. Nagel to provide encouragement and instill confidence that will ideally stay with them for their lifetime.