An interview with Steve about his experience mentoring with PEAK.
Steve has been paired with Daniel, soon to begin his senior year at Holy Trinity. Daniel is on schedule to graduate from Holy Trinity in June 2025
Steve retired in early 2021 and had enjoyed the mentoring opportunities that his previous career had provided. He wanted to seek out an opportunity to build a relationship with and help to mentor a high school student. Steve has 2 daughters who are adults now but he never had the chance to accompany a young man through his formative high school years. PEAK gave him that opportunity.
HOW HAS YOUR ROLE AS A MENTOR EVOLVED OVER THE YEARS?
“It starts with building a relationship, getting to know (and trust) each other, and that really just requires putting in the time and showing genuine/sincere interest in getting to know each other. I learned about his interest in bicycles, I also learned about his family and his friends and how much he liked Caines Chicken. There is no easier way to get a high schoolers attention than sharing a meal. Our favorite spot is a little local cafe by Daniel’s house. We have gone there for coffee or a meal many times over the last 3 years.”
CAN YOU SHARE A SPECIFIC INSTANCE WHERE YOUR MENTORSHIP HAD A PROFOUND IMPACT ON YOUR SCHOLAR?
“I can’t identify a specific instance, but I would say that my mentoring with Daniel has helped/supported him in his high school years to date. I also know that Daniel and I now trust each other and that allows him to have the confidence to ask me for ideas and support. It also has earned me the opportunity to offer observations and suggestions to Daniel.”
HOW HAS BEING A MENTOR IMPACTED YOUR PERSONAL OR PROFESSIONAL GROWTH?
“I have really enjoyed the support that PEAK has provided in helping Daniel and I to get to know each other better. From the events we attend together to joining Daniel at parent teacher conferences and more, I believe that Daniel sees me as someone in his corner who is supporting his journey through high school and getting ready for the next step in his life which will likely be college in some form.”
“Daniel and I are now good friends. I trust him and he trusts me and that allows us to support each other. I look forward to remaining friends even after he graduates high school and moves on to the next path in his educational journey. Daniel is a wonderful young man who has loads of potential ahead of him.”
In addition to sharing his experience and what makes PEAK special, Steve has thoughts on the PEAK Program, the importance of PEAK’s Mission, and has advice for potential new mentors contemplating joining PEAK as a mentor.
HOW DO YOU SEE PEAK’S ROLE IN THE BROADER COMMUNITY?
“PEAK has built out a great support system (tuition support, mentorship, special events) for kids entering high school without flashy grade point averages, but who have lots of talents and potential. Having a successful high school experience can be the jumping off point to a positive successful journey to the next stage of each students life.”
WHAT SETS PEAK APART FROM OTHER MENTORSHIP PROGRAMS?
“PEAK provides valuable training for mentors and events that help the students and their mentors to build out their relationship together while experiencing a diverse set of local experiences from boat cruises to visits to museums to cooking classes and more. PEAK also provides valuable resources to assist the students in their academic and social journey through HS (tutors, best practices for studying and being successful in HS, etc.)”
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO POTENTIAL NEW MENTORS?
“Get to know your scholar right away. It takes time to build a relationship. Be genuine with your scholar as the students will know when someone is truly interested in building a relationship vs just going through the motions. “
