Meet a Mentor: Jean Nelson Understands the Importance of Support

Meet a Mentor—Jean Nelson--A Person who makes a difference.

“I didn’t want to feel like a dork!” was Jean Nelson’s initial reaction as she thought about mentoring a middle school girl. Her own children were married with kids of their own. This 12-year-old was from a completely different generation, and Jean was worried that she couldn’t relate. She wondered if she should take the chance or not but couldn’t make up her mind. So she prayed for spiritual guidance and made the decision to mentor. That was almost three years ago.

Jean, a life-long Racine resident and Horlick High School graduate, is married with two adult children, and works for the County of Racine as a Child Support Specialist. It was during a presentation by Mentor Kenosha & Racine that she first began thinking about mentoring. Many of the children who need mentoring are from single parent homes, and Jean could relate to that from her own experience.  She had compassion for the challenges that come in single parent families. Jean came to the conclusion that mentoring was important to provide another positive model and to help develop self-confidence in children who need help.

Jean meets with her mentee during the study center time at the middle school.  She takes time during her work day to mentor, but then also makes up that time in agreement with her employer, who also recognizes the value of mentoring.  When Jean first began the relationship with her mentee, the young girl was quiet, shy, and kind of introverted. As the relationship developed over time, Jean’s mentee has become more comfortable sharing aspects of her life. They talked about goals and aspirations as they work on hobbies and homework, or drawing in the sketch pad that Jean gave her. (Her mentee was interested in fashion design.)  Jean has enjoyed watching her mentee blossom with more confidence and character. This relationship has allowed Jean develop more awareness of the difference between her children’s generation and now. Jean really enjoys the energy her mentee shows!

Jean got a personal demonstration of her mentees growing self-confidence at St. Lucy’s summer festival. Jean had recently lost a member of her family, and her grandson had been hospitalized. She was understandably sad. Walking around the festival perhaps would help make her feel better. Jean heard somebody calling her name.  She turned to see her mentee walking toward her. They hadn’t seen each other since May. They hugged and her mentee introduced Jean to her mom.  Jean shared some of her sad news with her mentee, who made a point to write Jean’s name on her hand so she would remember to call to see how she was feeling.  Jean felt very happy that her mentee had the character and confidence to talk to her at this festival. Jean said it gave her a “warm fuzzy feeling.” This illustrates how a mentoring relationship can be mutually beneficial for both mentor and mentee.

Jean see mentoring as way to give back and support her mentee in ways that Jean herself felt were lacking in her own childhood. Now after nearly three years, her mentee is ready to go on to high school. Jean’s relationship with her mentee will change. Jean may continue to with her mentee, only it will change from a school-based to a community-based match. Jean may also agree to mentor another middle school child—she is not sure yet. What she is sure about is how much she has enjoyed watching and helping her mentee grow from a shy sixth grader to a confident young lady. Whatever Jean’s decision, Mentor Kenosha & Racine is proud to honor her service and commitment as a person who made a difference for a child.

You can make a difference too. Invest in the Future—Mentor a Child. Share your insight, knowledge, skills, and pass times with a young person who needs the help. You would be amazed the difference an hour a week can make! Click on the link below and begin investing:

http://www.uwp.edu/departments/community.partnerships/mentorkr/