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Changing children's lives in one hour a week |
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Nancy F. Creed of Holyoke mentors Natanael Velez, 13, weekly at the Kiley Middle School in Springfield. Reminder Publications photo by Lori Szepelak
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By Lori Szepelak
Correspondent
SPRINGFIELD -- Life lessons, homework assignments and a bit of fun mixed in are all crammed into just over 60 minutes every Friday afternoon in the Kiley Middle School library as Nancy F. Creed of Holyoke mentors Natanael Velez, 13.
Creed is among the many caring adult volunteers who each week take time out of their busy schedules to serve as positive role models and promote academic achievement and consistent attendance at school.
During a recent Friday afternoon visit to the school, both Creed and Velez shared their perspectives on the program in between reviewing fractions and equations -- hoping it would encourage others throughout the region to also get involved in the Springfield School Volunteers' Mentoring Program which is affiliated with the Mass Mentoring Partnership.
"For the most part, we just hang out together and talk about things -- school, home, friends -- whatever is on Natanael's mind," Creed said, emphasizing that she also assists him with homework and reviews questions on quizzes he may have from an earlier class. "We also play games that are fun but are also intended to teach."
Velez echoes those sentiments.
"I have fun with Nancy," Velez said, adding, "She teaches me a lot of things and helps me with my homework."
Velez also noted that Creed is excellent at explaining homework he doesn't understand which helps him "get it right" the next time he's in class.
As the sobering news of late indicates that the Springfield School Department has big challenges ahead with current graduation rates of 54.4 percent, mentors are needed now more than ever.
"Research shows that kids with mentors are more likely to graduate from high school," Rebel McKinley of the Mass Mentoring Partnership said. "The fact is more than 50 percent of Springfield students don't graduate. So if you're interested in achieving positive outcomes, become a mentor. All it takes is an hour a week."
Mentors can provide students with a broader outlook and help them to become contributing members of their schools and their communities, according to Judith D. Donahue, program manager, Springfield School Volunteers (SSV).
"Our program focuses on eighth and ninth grade students with the hope that the mentors will follow them through high school," Donahue said. "Our program is a school-based program which means that our mentors meet at the school only. The commitment is one hour a week."
Donahue noted that while the program focuses on eighth and ninth grades, there are mentoring opportunities in the elementary schools too.
"We work with all of the Springfield Public Schools and try to provide mentors where they are requested," she added.
Donahue singled out the MassMutual Financial Group during an interview, noting the company has encouraged its employees to get involved in volunteering and in particular, mentoring.
"A group of MassMutual employees, who began volunteering last year with ninth grade students at Putnam Vocational Technical School, are continuing this year with the same students, now in 10th grade," Donahue said. "This year the students are coming across the street to MassMutual, adding value to the program for students and employees alike."
Before Creed started mentoring Velez, she had served as a volunteer with SSV through the Read-Aloud Program and saw first-hand how rewarding it was to have a relationship with a young child.
"I knew that becoming a mentor would be even more rewarding," Creed said. "I also felt it was my civic responsibility to make at least one child's life better."
As Creed and Velez cruise through his weekly assignments, Velez soon relishes the chance to show his latest sketchbook drawings which includes intricate comic strips with imaginative stories.
"I draw every night," Velez said, noting that half of the sketchbook he received at Christmas is already almost filled to capacity.
When Velez was asked what his career aspirations were, he didn't hesitate attending Princeton or Yale and ultimately becoming a cardiologist or a judge.
"I want to help people," he said.
Velez, the son of Maribel Feliciano, notes that his strong family support is also a driving force in his life. He also credits his sisters, Mabeline Velez, 17, and Jeanella Velez, 18, for pushing him to succeed.
"They also help me with my school work," he added.
Creed reiterated how impressed she is with Velez and his motivation to succeed.
"We enjoy playing charades so Natanael can learn different ways to express himself, understand how other people communicate back and to learn how to be creative," Creed said.
Velez was reflective by the end of the interview, noting that mentors are particularly needed to help kids understand they should refrain from "bad stuff" including drugs.
"Please come and help students," said Velez. "We need more people like Nancy."
As their session came to an end, Creed led Velez to his next class -- and they joked about what they would cover in next week's session.
"I'm going to draw Nancy in one of my comic strips," he said, noting that she would be portrayed as "kind" and "forgiving."
A perfect way to describe anyone who wants to be a part of a child's life whether it's full-time or just one hour a week.
For more information on becoming a mentor, contact Donahue, Springfield School Volunteers, at 787-6656 or via e-mail to donahuej@sps.springfield.ma.us.
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