www.wiseservices.org May 18, 2015
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Celebrating WISE Mentors 


Joseph Reeder, Rondout Valley High School  

 

Joseph Reeder, an English teacher and WISE mentor at Rondout Valley High School, sheds light on the origins of the word "mentor." In Greek mythology, Odysseus' loyal friend was named Mentor. Odysseus entrusted Mentor with the care of his son while he was off battling the Trojans in the Trojan War. Today, the word "mentor" has come to refer to "anyone in a position to offer guidance and support, to lend an ear or a shoulder to cry on"-a definition true to its Greek roots.

 

After 17 years of mentoring, Joe is filled with a lot of interesting facts and stories about mentoring. He initially became a WISE mentor because he was "drawn to the idea of mentoring a senior involved in a project of his or her choosing" and has since helped over thirty mentees explore their passions in WISE.  

 

Q: What is your most memorable/proudest moment as a mentor?

 

A: At every WISE presentation, I have gotten weepy-tears of pride-so it is difficult to single out my most memorable experience. Many times there comes a point in the presentation when my mentee describes the impact I have made. That's when I become emotional. But what is even more moving during the presentation is when I see a new human being, when a student turns into an adult right before my eyes. As a teacher, one often wonders what effect, if any, one has on his students, but in WISE one deeply feels it.

 

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Jodi Maddren, Ithaca High School  

 


"Buying into the WISE mentoring experience, investing in and committing to your mentees and the program, is rewarding for everyone involved," promises Jodi Maddren, a physical education teacher and WISE mentor at Ithaca High School.  

 

For 10 years, Jodi has "worked alongside students in a supporting capacity-acting as a soundboard, offering advice and criticism in productive way." 

 

Jodi's favorite part of the mentoring process is "watching the student transformations that take place. Every student I have ever worked with undergoes a personal transformation at some point during the WISE journey," said Jodi. "Regardless of how their project turns out-whether it is amazing or lackluster-the student always learns something about themselves. Students are always successful on some level in WISE."

 

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Deborah Harris, WISE Program Consultant  
 
Sadly, I only had the opportunity to mentor students during one semester. And I was a fill-in at that. One of my staff members became ill and had to give up his mentoring duties. He was mentoring two students. They searched around for a substitute and were not having much luck. Apparently someone suggested that they ask me. I was Principal of University Heights High School at the time, and although I loved the program, and loved the students, I believed (silly me) that I didn't have time to do mentoring, I was simply too busy. So, I was almost glad when I wasn't asked. But once their original choice had to recuse himself, they came to me with their sad story. What could I say? Of course I accepted, and of course it turned out to be one of my most rewarding experiences.

 

My proudest moment was being with them as they presented. I felt pride, joy and gratitude...gratitude that they had come to me and afforded me this marvelous opportunity. Naturally, the most difficult part was finding the time to meet with them. Luckily, they were both patient and persistent and didn't let me off the hook.

 

I learned about basketball, because that was their topic. Their original choice was the assistant basketball coach. I did not try to emulate what he might have done with them (I couldn't), but I offered them support and affection. I learned so much from them. They actually knew quite a bit about the sport.

 

A good mentor is one who makes her/himself available for the requisite number of meetings. An extraordinary mentor is there for the students whenever needed...goes the extra mile to be there for them...goes above and beyond the call of duty...and is a skilled listener.

 

My advice is to love the students and be real with them. Share your time and yourself. Everything else will fall into place.

 

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Thank You, People's United Bank!
 
Thank you to People's United Bank, White Plains branch, for shining their Spotlight on WISE Services.
 
In This Issue
Joseph Reeder, Rondout Valley High School
Jodi Maddren, Ithaca High School
Deborah Harris, WISE Program Consultant
Thank You, People's United Bank!
 
May is WISE Mentor Month

The WISE mentor model has been transformative for tens of thousands of high school seniors. 

This month we celebrate mentors.  Watch for special features throughout this month featuring mentor and mentee experiences.

We would love to include your mentor or mentee experiences. Email us at amyprice@wiseservices.org.
 

 

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We are seeking photos, articles and news for our newsletter.  Please contact us at office@wiseservices.org.  

 

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