June 16, 2008 issue
Mentoring program LEAPs forward
By Laura Lehman Amstutz Eastern Mennonite SeminaryHARRISONBURG, Va. — A new mentoring program completed its first cycle with a retreat May 16-18 at Eastern Mennonite Seminary.
The program — LEAP365, which stands for Learning, Exploring and Participating — involved 10 high school students and 10 adults.
Participants praised the program for the way it helped them learn and grow.
“Through this program I have grown spiritually, received guidance and gained a lifelong mentor and friend,” said Paige Quill of Philadelphia.
The mentoring pairs met twice a month for six months to talk about issues young people are facing.
“I think that we mentees are fortunate to have mentors in our lives, because where I’m from there is a lack of role models or positive figures to look up to,” said Olin Johnson of Philadelphia.
The youth spent time last summer at EMS studying with professors and then embarked on a 10-day cross-cultural trip to either Guatemala, Mexico or Trinidad. Upon returning home, they began meeting with their
mentors to process the experience and to continue the learning process.
The mentors said they felt honored to share in the young people’s lives.
“Every aspect of mentoring Lauren [Snowden] has been delightful,” said Nicole Francisco of Hampton. “I believe I have benefited from this program just as much as Lauren has.”
LEAP365 is a yearlong mentoring program for high school juniors and seniors.
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