Where Do We Find Mentors?

Look Around You..

Mentors can be someone in your family like your child’s aunt, uncle, or cousin who they connect well with and trust. Or it can be a family friend who is a professional adult. Or even their older sibling’s friend, for example. One thing to keep in mind is that building any type of relationship takes time especially if it is someone they had just met. What is important is that both parties need to have clear expectations and boundaries.

But you know who the BEST mentors are???

Peer mentors. It’s students mentoring students. Usually we hear about peer-to-peer mentoring programs in colleges and what research shows is by having a peer mentor, mentees experience less stress, challenge themselves more, and achieve better grades. It also shows that students with mentors are more likely to stay in school than those without one. So my first thought is, “Why aren’t we doing this for middle school students?”

This is where the concept and vision of Embrace Her Journey came about. I wanted to create a safe online community space for tween and teen girls to connect and support one another. Training high school girls to help mentor and empower our middle school girls. Obviously, hanging out with a high school girl is much “cooler” than hanging out with their moms. Not only that, our middle school girls are more likely to listen to them. You know what the best part is? No more nagging on your part as a parent. Instead, you will see positive changes in your child’s behavior, attitudes, and habits when they are consistently surrounded by their own peers and peer mentors who support and encourage them. What a relief to parents to know that we don’t have to carry this huge responsibility on our own.

What would have happened if I had a mentor during those middle school years? Maybe it didn’t have to be so painful if I had someone supporting and encouraging me along the way. It might have changed the trajectory of my own personal development and growth. Well, it is certainly too late for me to change that part of my life, but it’s not too late to support our girls right now.

What are your thoughts? Feel free to reach out to us.

Also, if you are looking for a community like this to support and empower your middle school student or interested in mentoring our students, please feel free to email Julie Tang to learn more.