Making time to mentor has an abundance of rewards

Editor's note: This is the third in a series of stories about mentoring to encourage adults to volunteer for the Mentor Center of Western Nevada.

by Bill Bley

Special to the Appeal

Ann Thomas makes it look easy. She had already raised two girls on her own when she came to the Mentor Center as a volunteer. That was four years ago. She expressed a desire to share more of her life, so how could we refuse?

The Mentor Center was quite new then and still developing its strategies, so Thomas came in as one of its pioneer members. As a full-time employee at Western Discovery Tour Company, Thomas had to make time for her mentee in her life, but she welcomed this added dimension.

She and Brianne Richison, her mentee, agreed to be interviewed, so we met at the recent pancake breakfast held at the Carson City Library. I couldn't help but notice the expression on Thomas' face as I talked with Brianne. Her look told it all.

"Giving is the best," Thomas said when asked why she mentors. "Since we were first matched, we have met weekly except when travel prohibits. When we get together, it is for longer periods than the one hour minimum requirement. We thoroughly enjoy each others company. Our activities include movies, parks, and shopping malls. Sometimes we do homework together, or she'll read to me. Brianne likes to read. We also attend special events, but since the expense is on 'my dime,' we are sometimes limited."

Last year, she and Brianne rode the Amtrak to Winnemucca, where they enjoyed the weekend together. While there, they explored the town and enjoyed the sights. It was a memorable travel experience since the train arrived six hours late on their return. The experience of a fine meal in the dining car, however, made for a fond and lasting memory.

Directing my attention to Brianne, she answered, "Yes! I like having Ann as my mentor. Ann is fun and interesting, and the things we do together are always enjoyable. She is dependable ... and she's my best friend."

A student at Eagle Valley Middle School, Brianne is reserved and responds with indifference about most subjects. Her face brightens, however, and she becomes animated when asked about her artistic ability.

Drawing and painting with oils are her forte. Enthusiastically, she tells me she would like to display her works in a talent show some day. Art is her mode of communication.

What do you want to do in life, Brianne?

"I want to be an artist," she said.

Mentoring comes natural to Thomas. She advises prospective mentors: "Keep it easy, go with the flow, be flexible, and if possible, get to know the family. Bring patient listening to the job."

What is her greatest reward, coming from this relationship?

"Seeing Brianne grow into a wonderful young lady," Thomas said with a big smile - her eyes radiating love and care.

Mentors are people like Thomas, who enjoy the companionship of a child. During the time spent with mentees, a mentor shares his or her knowledge, experience and love with the child, giving them the advantage of their years.

How about you?

• To become a mentor, 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.