National Mentoring Month
In celebration of National Mentoring Month, we asked TTSD mentors about their experiences.
TTSD has multiple programs where students, staff, parent/guardians, and/or community members can become mentors to students. We are highlighting the Parent Mentor Program at Tigard High School and the district's Intercambio program.
Tigard High School's Parent Mentor Program allows parent/adult volunteers to partner with school counselors and support the post-high school plans of 11th and 12th grade students.
Here is what adult volunteer Melia has to say about her experience: "I have been a mentor since 2017. On top of the daily rigors of academics and extracurriculars, the college admissions process can be a very stressful time for students and their families. The mentor program helps alleviate some of that stress by laying the foundation for the tasks that need to be accomplished when applying to college, answering any questions that arise, and providing much-needed reminders when it comes to deadlines. THS mentors encourage students to request transcripts, school reports and any other needed application materials from the guidance counselors."
Student name and school |
Is this your first or second year mentoring? |
How do you feel about being a mentor so far? |
Why did you join Intercambio? |
What have you learned from being a mentor? |
Other thoughts? |
Briana, mentor from Tigard High School |
Second |
It’s an amazing feeling knowing your helping someone with something such as a transition from middle to school, because the change is very fast and different and as a mentor, we try and prepare them the best we can. Seeing mentee’s behavior and academics change in a positive way is always great to see and to have that feeling that we (the mentors) are really having a positive impact on them. As mentors we are also learning new things from our mentee’s everyday. Building strong connections with our mentee’s is joyful. |
I joined Intercambio because I myself was also a mentee during my 8th grade year. I remember my mentor helped me and gave me a safe place where I could share my academic struggles, the help she gave me never left me as I continued on with High school. I see my younger self in a lot of our mentee’s, and I know a lot of other mentors do as well. Helping in any way we can is what Intercambio is about and I joined to help as many people as I can. |
I’ve learned to have a lot of patience. A lot of mentee’s have their reasoning for having their struggles. I’ve learned that there is more to people than the eye can see, and we cannot judge someone based off appearance or what we hear from others. I’ve learned to take time and get to know mentee’s on a personal level, because I believe that is the only way to truly be able to help them. I’ve also become more wiser and more open with the mentee’s. A lot of mentee’s that we have, have gone through a lot of bad things in their past, a lot of them are trying to change bad habits and they just need someone to help lead them in the right direction. |
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Nyah, mentor from Tigard High School |
First |
so far i really like it and i really enjoy it. it’s a great opportunity. |
i joined intercambio because i knew it would be a place for me to be out of my comfort zone and be able to try new things. i knew that intercambio was really fun and very enjoyable and i wanted to be apart of it. |
i’ve learned that you can’t judge people. we don’t know where our mentees come from unless they tell us. I’ve learned that in some cases the mentees can be the mentors. The Mentees help us in more ways that we know. |
Intercambio is a place filled with love and support, it’s a safe place to talk about anything on your mind. Intercambio teaches leadership, communication, commitment to the mentees, and above all its a place for people to learn eveytime your in that class. |
Nathan, mentor from Tigard High School |
First |
Being a mentor is such a rewarding experience. The planning, organizing, and collaboration between my peers to prepare for each session is hard work, but we can see the fruits of our labor everytime. The feeling of knowing how to help someone is unbeatable, especially when you yourself struggled with asking for it and you feel that difference when your mentee has that "OH!" moment when your teaching them about linear equations and the formula of y = mx + b! |
At first, I wanted to join Intercambio because my sophomore year history teacher told me about this program and said I would be a great mentor for it! However, after attending the information session and participating in the interview, my reasoning for joining Intercambio changed to wanting to have a community that I can depend on to cheer me on and help me whenever I need it! |
Being a mentor, you have many responsibilities on your shoulders. These can include leading the session, making sure your mentee is on track, contacting your group members for preparations, etc. It can be really stressful for me as I am somewhat of a perfectionist, but with Intercambio, you start to learn to go with the flow of whatever happens. Sometimes the bus with the mentees comes late or a mentor misses a session from sickness, but you continue on! With that, I also have such smart, friendly, and supportive friends around me to help share that burden. I have always done things on my own, but learning to share that responsibility has helped me to remember that I am not alone in this world. |
I hope other school districts adopt similar mentor-mentee programs like Intercambio, because no matter what age, grade, or height you are, everyone deserves support and kindness! |
Natalia, mentor from Tigard High School |
Second |
I feel rewarded and proud |
I joined so I could help others reach their full potential |
I have learned how to communicate better, how the mind of an 8th grader is, I've also learned patience. |
no |
Elia, mentor from Tigard High School |
First |
Being a a first year mentor is kinda hard but the support from my classmates, makes it fun and better to understand of what is going on during the preparation of the mentoring session or activities. And that makes me enjoy and very appreciated of being a mentor and being able to work with all these amazing people. Which I really enjoy |
I join because I wanted to give middle schoolers help and support. Into there transition into high school letting them be prepared and have a better understanding of what the high school experience is or is going to be for them and giving them an open space to ask questions from a high schooler rather than an adult. |
I’ve learned that being a mentor there is a kind of responsibility and respect on one another. Knowing all kinds of boundaries of all the mentors and acknowledging what is wrong to do or even say. I’ve learned many things and learning those experiences that we all have is amazing because we see how much we’ve grown and learn over time. |
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Isabella, mentor from Tigard High School |
First |
Still a little nerve-wracking/awkward, but I'm slowly getting more confident. |
I joined Intercambio because I wanted to help middle schoolers with their transition into highschool. I was terrified on my first day at Tigard High because I barely knew anyone and had no idea how highschool worked, so I wish to change that for 8th graders coming in now. |
I've learned that you can't be your mentees friend. There's some space for leeway but at the end of the day you're responsible for your mentee and what they do. |
Intercambio is a needed program for both mentors and mentees. We learn so much from each other, even if the mentees don't realize it. |
Olivia, mentor from Tigard High School |
First |
I absolutely love it! I have already learned so much about being a mentor, and learning more about myself! It’s also a great add in that Tigard Highs intercambio program has wonderful people in it! |
I joined it because I really want to be a teacher and I know it would help me with future live skills. But I also love helping people and knowing that someone can ask me for help! |
I have learned that you can never rely on someone to do the right thing. Also we are human and are prone to mistakes. It takes time to learn things and you have to be patient |
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Amy, mentor from Tigard High School |
Second |
I feel really good about being a mentor right now. I feel like I have learned a lot over these past two years on being a leader and a bigger role model for younger students. I have learned that I really enjoy teaching and supporting other people, and kind of being like a guide and help to them. |
I joined intercambio because I know for a fact that many eighth graders struggle academically. I saw intercambio as an opportunity to help and make a difference to an individual that could hopefully have a positive impact in their future. |
I have learned that being a mentor mean, standing up as a leader, even an uncomfortable situations. You have to be able to be the best example you can be for younger students and create connections as well. |
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Ana Yaretzi, mentor from Tigard High School |
First |
It has been an experience that has so far been incredible and unforgettable. I feel like I've grown as a person by being a mentor. My leadership skills have improved a lot in the past few months by being a mentor. I also really enjoy working closely with other mentors. There have been some bumps along the way but I know that all the other mentors have my back. |
I joined Intercambio because I'm a person who really enjoys helping others. Being able to provide the support that I wasn't able to receive makes me happy because I know that I am helping someone avoid many struggles. |
I've definetly learned more about time management, teamwork and leadership. These are all skills I have been able to develop even more now that I am a mentor. All the planning that goes into Intercambio has helped me learn many things while also having fun and helping others. |
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Stephanie, mentor from Tigard High School |
Second |
I feel a great responsibility in helping my mentee be successful and making sure he feels confident in his own capability to do things. I want to create a safe environment for him while also challenging him to try new things and getting out of his comfort zone. |
One of the many reasons I joined Intercambio is because I have a hard time asking for help from teachers. Having someone close to your age range makes things a lot easier, and I wanted to be that person for someone. In addition, I didn't have somebody at home who I could look up to for help, like an older sibling I could rely on. |
Being a mentor is a big commitment and responsibility, but you learn that everyone has your back when something feels too much for you. The bond you build among your peers is hard to recreate, and one that will always want the best for you. |
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Chelsea, mentor from Tigard High School |
First |
I still feel nervous leading up to sessions but I'm determined to get through to my mentee and help both of us grow. I regret not becoming a mentor sooner, I know that I would be so much better the second time around but I'm so grateful for this program and I am a ready to seize every opportunity I get and become better with each session and class period. Being a mentor gives me a sense of purpose, I'm so determined to help my mentee help themselves. |
I joined Intercambio because junior year I spent a fair amount of time with my friend and her mentee, their designated homework time was spent in the library and Tuesdays are also the after school study academy which is why I was there. But seeing their bond and relationship develop overtime along with seeing the academic progress made me interested in Intercambio. I had heard about it my sophmore year and my friends had mentioned it to me but I felt I wasn't worthy of being a mentor and someone more deserving should be chosen. I'm still grateful junior me decided to take a leap because it was worth it and I mentally feel much more prepared and able to be the best mentor I can be. |
Being a mentor has definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone. I've had to become comfortable with compromise and being around different personalities and opinions. It's given me a push I needed, where I'm able to voice my thoughts and opinions while building bonds with my lovely peers. I've recently started learning how to balance being a good mentor while also comfortably setting boundaries and rules. I personally don't like confrontation and I struggle to set boundaries, so this has been great practice because some 8th graders are a lot to handle. |
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Lizette, mentor from Tigard High School |
First |
I haven’t been able to get to work with a mentee that has been assigned to me due to some circumstances, but so far, it has made me realize that it can be a bit of a challenge working with 8th graders that are shy or uncomfortable. You really just have to let them get to know you better and allow them to get comfortable at their own pace. The effort and dedication is what makes being a mentor rewarding. |
I joined intercambio out of pure curiosity. I have always liked to help other classmates whenever they are struggling to understand something new. Being the person that almost everyone goes to first in order to get help with homework might’ve influenced my decision to accept joining Intercambio. Another reason as to why I decided to join was because of my sister motivating me and telling me to give it a try. |
Since this is my first year being a mentor, I haven’t learned as much as a second year mentor has learned. One thing that I can say is that being a mentor can make you feel a sense of perseverance, since you are helping your mentee reach their academic goals. You only want what is best for them and don’t want to let them down. Being able to help an 8th grader that is willingly asking for help brings me joy because it just shows that they are ready to put in the work to get to a better place than they currently are in. Overall, I am looking forward to seeing the progress and growth of the 8th graders. |
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Arianna, mentor from Tigard High School |
First |
Being a mentor so far has taught me much more about collaboration that I have not learned in any other setting. In the classroom, I feel extremely supported with any task since Intercambio creates an environment where everyone is willing to help each other. In the mentoring sessions, I am getting the hang of interacting more with the 8th graders. It is extremely enjoyable not only having fun but being able to provide academic support and any other guidance to them. |
I joined Intercambio to step outside of my comfort zone while positively impacting the community around me. The program provides an environment for those unlike each other to collaborate towards a common goal which is something I don't get to experience often. |
Becoming a mentor has given me opportunity to further my own knowledge on academic subjects, especially math, through teaching others. I also have learned how to work further in teams when planning and the way to approach mistakes. Intercambio is a constant learning opportunity and it has let me practice my social skills with others my age and younger. |
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Shayla, mentor from Tigard High School |
First |
I really like it so far, understanding and helping middle schoolers better themselves academically and supporting them is very fulfilling. |
I wanted to help others, I feel like at the middle school level things get difficult and structure is loose when everything around seems to be changing. From my own personal experience I would’ve appreciated someone willing to help me navigate through those times. |
I’ve learned that every mentee needs their push to achieve what they want to achieve, mentees and mentors are paired for a reason and in the end the mentee learns from the mentor but the mentor also learns from the mentee regarding patience and how we as mentors handle certain situations. |
Learning to be a mentor has been an amazing experience and one that is always improving as adjustments are made from communicating and having 2nd year mentors guide 1st year mentors from what they’ve seen and experienced. The overall community of mentors is motivating and supportive. |
Noah, mentor from Tualatin High School |
First |
Glad. I feel like I am making a difference, meeting new people, and making new friends. |
To make friends and find a way to help people. |
Kids are not stupid or horrible, and can be fun to spend time with. I have also learned many skills are involved, like preparation, improvisation, risk-taking, initiative, and empathy. |
I have also been able to meet a very diverse group of people I would not have been friends with if I hadn't joined intercambio. It is able to make someone more open-minded. |
Sebastian, mentor from Tigard High School |
First |
I feel like it’s been a great experience that I am truly grateful for. It’s something I never thought I would enjoy but I love helping these kids. |
I joined intercambio because I saw it as a great opportunity to help those in need I always liked helping people and this was a great opportunity and I am very grateful to be in Intercambio and in this community. |
I have learned a lot of these mentees have a lot in common with me when I was in middle school. I also learned a lot these kids need help not just from me but other people in intercambio, |
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Abheek, mentor from Tigard High School |
First |
It’s not what i expected. It’s less serious than I thought, like the vibe more lighthearted. I feel really happy I sent my application and excited for the rest of the year. |
I originally heard about it becuase a mentor came to my classroom and presented a slideshow on what Intercambino was. But what really convinced me to join was a mentor who I was talking too. I asked them a basic question about Intercambino and they went on a 5 minute rant on how Intercambino is like a family and how much it changed their life. I've never seen someone be so passionate about something and I had to send an application after hearing them talk. |
I learned how quickly a community can be built. I quickly became close with many mentors through Intercambino that I would never had done with any other class. I also have learned how to teach basic concepts that I learned years ago. Trying to explain that you have to multiply on both sides of the equal signs made me learn that other people, especially younger people, won't get how I explain thing because I already know it and it's common sense to me. |
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Juli, mentor from Tigard High School |
Second |
It’s an interesting feeling—definitely something I don’t feel in all leadership roles. I feel like any action I do can affect someone in a positive or hopefully not in a negative way. The power of my experiences and help others experiences grow into new perspective. I love it and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. |
I once was a mentee, years, years ago. It was an experience that I admired, it seemed very intentional. Something I wish I was a master of. My mentor reminded me of who I wanted to become, but the 8th grader in me couldn’t imagine myself as a mentor. Since at the time I was the one being mentored, not the other way around. My whole purpose in life was to be better and do better, not for myself but for my parents and others. Then one day, I was recommended by my teachers to apply to Intercambio. It was definitely something that got me out of my shy and apologetic circle, which is what I wanted. I saw intercambio as a way to help others, help middle schoolers like who i once was. But what i had to learn is, Intercambio is an opportunity, an opportunity for growth, not only for the mentees but for mentors as well. |
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Luis, mentor from Tigard High School |
Second |
i like mentoring, me personally it feel like im helping my younger self through theses 8th graders |
i first joined it in 8th grade wanting help with my homework and working on personal problems, junior year i joined it as a mentor because it helped me so much in 8th grade and i wanted to give back to someone else |
even though your a mentor its okay to use someone else as your own mentor |