When I first moved to Hoboken I was looking for a way to get involved in the community and meet new friends. I Googled non-profits in Hoboken and discovered TRUE Mentors’s website. Thank you, Google! After just a few clicks and a scroll on the TRUE Mentors website, I knew with certainty that I wanted to get involved and become a mentor. Unlike the many other ways to give back to the community, it was clear that mentoring with TRUE Mentors would give me a unique opportunity to make a real, long-lasting difference in someone’s life.
My favorite part of being a mentor is getting to be a kid again.
Destiny and I love exploring and finding new unique things to do around Hoboken and NYC. It’s often that people living in our area forget to take advantage of everything that there is to do, see and eat. Together, we embrace what our area has to offer. We have eaten our way through local Hoboken restaurants and festivals, went on “The Ride” NYC bus tour, saw two Broadway plays, dressed up together for the Hoboken Halloween Parade, went to Medieval Times and have had countless more outings and memories.
Destiny’s strength is her determination. When she puts her mind to something, she works tirelessly to achieve it. She does not let any bumps along the way deter her from reaching her goal. She also doesn’t get distracted, and stays focused and in the moment which is quite admirable for anyone, especially someone at her age.
My relationship with my mentee has impacted my life by offering me a different perspective and outlook. It’s refreshing to see Destiny’s excitement on everyday mundane things, like riding the bus through town or grabbing a coffee at 7-11. She’s taught me to appreciate the little things in life. When you’re surrounded by adults day in and day out, it’s refreshing to hear her perspective.
I encourage you to consider mentoring a child in Hoboken. It takes just a little time for a huge reward. A few days each month can make all the difference in a child’s life. And plus, beyond the reward it’s just fun. I love having an excuse to be a kid again.
“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”