There is an old saying that goes, "Seeing is believing."
Studies show that youth who are actively engaged with a mentor are less likely to skip school, do drugs, and start drinking. It is also suggested that mentorship increases the likelihood of enrolling in and graduating from college, "reduces 'depression symptoms' and increase 'social acceptance, academic attitudes and grades" (YouthMentor.org). In essence, having someone to not only look up to but to literally look to, predetermines and/or positively correlates with one's capacity for success.
If I could go back and speak with my community leaders, surrounding adults, and even had the ability to speak directly to the faces of pop culture of that time, I would ask them to show us the way as opposed to simply showing the end result. Forums as this shared by Tonasis Walker are the key to elevating our culture! These opportunities sew seeds of empowerment and hope.
It is immeasurably important that we redefine what success is in our society. We must assure children and young adults that we-- as individuala-- have the ability to not only define success as it fits into our life, but we also have the power and the right to define happiness as it applies to our circumstances. This holds especially true within generally excluded and at-risk populations, where there is minimal access to resources.
As an developing influencer of policy reform, my mentor told me that the key was to simply "get in the conversation." And my! How the blessings and opportunities have unfolded before me.
Parents, educators, managers, students--- I encourage you to PLEASE take advantage of such opportunities as The Pure Excellence Group's *Student Success Luncheon* and have those conversations to assure your youth that is okay to tread the road not taken and forge your own success.
~ English Simone
"Set the standard. Be the example."â„¢
