By Megan Zanto, Director of Mentor Development at Youth Mentoring Initiative
Hamilton East Public Library has partnered with Youth Mentoring Initiative in Fishers to support them in their mission of engaging HSE students by nurturing positive relationships with a caring adult mentor to inspire future generations and build a better community. We’ve asked the Director of Mentor Development to explain why mentors matter in the lives of young people.
“My favorite conversation starter is “Tell me about a mentor you’ve had in your life.” You can see the person thinking through the list of all those who have supported them and shaped them into the person they are. The best thing about this exercise is that everyone gives a different answer. Mentors are who we need them to be.
So, what truly is a mentor? According to Merriam-Webster, a mentor is “a trusted counselor or guide.” Youth Mentoring Initiative (YMI) simplifies it to say,”a mentor is any caring adult.” YMI is a local organization that supports one-on-one mentoring for students in the Hamilton Southeastern school district. Research shows that youth need 4-6 non-parental adults in their lives to support them. YMI creates a bridge of caring adults within our own community to students within the district.
Through weekly meetings and conversations with their mentor, students in our community have increased confidence, better control of their emotions, and see their potential for growth. A steady 95% of our mentees report having a mentor in their life has improved their overall social-emotional well-being.
We’re so grateful to have a partner in the Hamilton East Public Library as they offer great resources for our mentors and our YMI team, including:
- Mental Health Resource Guide
- Board games and outdoor games – mentors can check out individually, but YMI has also used HEPL’s outdoor games for some of our mentor/mentee connection events.
- Customized Book Lists – When referred, each of our students select an area or areas of growth. We’ve worked with HEPL to create a booklist (see below) that corresponds with these seven areas and demonstrates how vital they are to everyday success.
The YMI program continues to expand, and we have 60 students now waiting for an additional caring adult to add to their life. We invite you to watch our video and learn a little bit more about who we are. If you have a little time to spare each week and an interest in the youth in our community, reach out to become a mentor! We’d love to have you join our amazing team of 200 mentors and make a lasting impact.”
About Megan Zanto
Megan is the Director of Mentor Development at Youth Mentoring Initiative. She planted roots in Fishers 15 years ago, and her daughters attend HSE schools. Megan graduated from IU with a degree in nonprofit management and has spent her time working with small nonprofits in roles ranging from leader development to volunteer engagement. Her professional (and personal!) passion is forming relationships, creating connections, and ensuring great experiences. In her free time, you can find her at the library with her girls filling their “book carts,” enjoying live music, or planning the next Disney trip.
Seven Areas of Growth Booklist
These books center around the seven areas of growth for students : communication skills, managing emotions, managing stress, motivation, peer relationships, self confidence, and working through hard situations/problem solving. The last two titles are geared towards mentors. Happy reading!
Wordless Trilogy by Aaron Becker
Sweep by Louise Greig and Julia Sarda
Ruby Finds a Worry by Tom Percival
I Survived series by Lauren Tarshis
Real Friends by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
A Growth Mindset for Teens by Sydney Sheppard