First Lady speaks at mentoring summit

I recently came across the transcript of a speech given by First Lady Michelle Obama at the National Mentoring Summit that was held back in January.  While I am not able to include the entire speech due to space, I did want to share some of her remarks because I think she did a fantastic job of highlighting the need for mentoring.  Here is what the First Lady had to say:

“You’re all here today because you know that in today’s world, having a mentor is more important than ever before.  And that’s because, in many ways, being a kid today is tougher than ever before.

“Right now, more young people are growing up in single-parent homes, and more of those parents are working multiple jobs and longer hours just to make ends meet.
More kids are growing up outside of those tight-knit neighborhoods that many of us remember; you know, those neighborhoods where folks looked out for each others’ kids and told on you when you weren’t doing what you were supposed to do.

“And even though our children are connecting to the world and to each other in ways we never could have imagined, sometimes the messages they receive promote instant gratification over hard work and perseverance.  And I know that all that can be a little overwhelming.

“And then when you add in the age-old struggles of just plain old growing up –- the anxiety, the confusion, the academic and the social pressure –- you’ve got an entire generation of young people truly in desperate need of a friend, someone they can trust, an example they can follow.

“And that’s where all of you come in.  That’s why mentors are so important.  You all are reaching out to kids who do have big, gigantic dreams and plenty of talent, but they don’t always have enough guidance.
And as all of you know, mentoring doesn’t have to require a huge commitment.  It doesn’t take much.  It can be as simple as taking your kid to the zoo, maybe shooting some hoops...  Kids don’t need you to be Superman.  They just need you to be there.  They need you to be someone they can count on.

“And that’s really the core of mentoring.  It’s about building that trust.  It’s about providing comfort and stability in a world that often lacks both.   And it’s about showing young people that the world is filled with opportunities, and then helping them seize those opportunities.

“As mentors, you’re planting a seed that may not take root for years.  But let me tell you, when it does, the benefits are undeniable.”

As the new school year approaches, we are expecting to see several new children who will be looking for a mentor to spend time with them and let them know that they are important to someone.  If you have ever considered mentoring, or you know someone who you think would make a good mentor, give us a call at 696-0976.   You can make a new friend as you make a difference in the life of  a child.