A mentor moment ... all about nicknames and the students who have them

Editor's note: To encourage adults to volunteer for the Mentor Center of Western Nevada, coordinator Bill Bley will share facets from the lives of children who need mentors.

This is second in a series.

by Bill Bley

Special to the Appeal

Three of our children, who presently await a match with a mentor, are nicknamed Flash, Putter and Chatters. They need an adult who will share knowledge and talent, model proper behavior, and encourage them as they search for their pathway into adult life.

Nicknames are given to each of our children to safeguard their identity.

These names provide a hint of revelation about the child. Our kids, each with their unique personality, are eager to experience life, but are held back by circumstance.

The children wait for caring adults to befriend them and discover the attributes of their young characters - the person behind the nickname.

Flash

Flash, a reserved but healthy and energetic boy of 10, lives with his mother and two sisters. He wants to be active and engage in outdoor activities, basketball being his favorite sport, but he lacks a place to play. Mom curbs him to safe pursuits, so he listens a lot to music (hip-hop) and plays video games. Flash, a pre-teen, brimming with energy, yearns to play a sport or engage in a team activity.

Mom is concerned about his development, and has urged us to find him a mentor. She says, "He needs a male to show him how to be a man, how good decisions are made, and when to say, no. Mostly, he needs a good friend."

I asked Flash, "What qualities would you like in a mentor?"

"I want someone who will care about me. I sure hope he likes me and wants to spend time with me. I want him to be someone like you."

Putter

Putter is a 13-year-old boy of superior intelligence, who likes to hike and golf. This young man has a keen interest in history, science and dragons. Hobbies that interest him include the PlayStation II and drums. Mom wants to find a good male role model for her son - someone stable.

"He's a great young man in need of a long-term friend," she said.

Putter needs a buddy who will patiently work with him, giving some guidance on how to effectively direct his energy, as he grows into his adult years. He lacks for a male influence in his life.

Do you like to golf? Are sciences, history or music in your repertoire of interests? Would you like to have a partner for those long hikes or fishing trips? Contribute to the health of our community by sharing your talents, as a mentor to Putter.

Chatters

Chatters - This girl of 7 lives with her grandparents. She loves school and often attends church.

She especially likes math and computer classes. Her recreational pursuits center on outdoor activities, such as a bike ride, picnic or swim. She also enjoys playing soccer and working in a flower garden. Chatters is an intelligent young girl and delights in reading a good book.

"My little girl helps out at home and has a good attitude," her grandfather said. "I hope you can find her an active and caring female mentor, who will share knowledge and talent. Preferably, they will exercise patience and help her establish boundaries."

Do you have an hour or more each week to shower attention on Chatters?

If you did not see someone in need of your talents and interests highlighted here, do inquire with us directly because we have many others. Ask about Skater, Yak-Yak, Dusty or Smiley, Toby and Duck, and Bean or Boo. All are in need of a male mentor. Our girls who wait are Pixie, Bo, Peep and Mouse.

We at the Mentor Center are recruiting mentors - volunteers - who will commit to give a minimum of one hour each week for one year or more to befriend a child. The kids we serve are members of this community, who need a little time and care - yours - during their formation years. Give one of them the advantage of "you" by sharing a part of your life.

• Call Ruth Gordon or Bill Bley at the Mentor Center of Western Nevada at 445-3346 or 445-3282, or visit their Web site at www.wncc.edu/mentor for an application form.