Mentoring brings satisfaction

The Oakland Press (Pontiac, Mich.): The benefits of mentoring a student are numerous.

There’s the personal satisfaction that the mentor feels along with the improved academic performance of the student.

Strong bonds can develop and over the years and close friendships will be sustained.

In addition, the positive experience of the student can prompt that youth to become a mentor himself as an adult.

Mentors can create life-changing experiences not only for the student but for themselves.

Consequently, programs designed to bring mentors and students together are an invaluable asset to a school district and a community.

The Oakland Press recently published a two-part series on a movement to generate more mentors and tutors for Pontiac students.

It was initiated in memory of Hugh Jackson, who ran a volunteer program for 20 years.

Jackson, the former director of the Pontiac Urban League and founder of MALD — The Michigan Association for Leadership Development for black youth died in June at the age of 88.

Bruce Turpin, a Pontiac dentist and a mentor for Pontiac Youth Assistance, and Teresa Rodges, executive director of POH Riley Foundation, brought together representatives of many of the groups that run mentoring and tutoring programs to talk about the need in the community.

As a result of these efforts, local churches and groups are coming together to boost the mentoring program.