Mentoring

In April 2008 I spoke with current Board members about my desire to ensure that we not only focus strongly on the gifted student, but also focus strongly on the success of the less gifted student, such as students with learning disabilities or those that have a difficult home life. One response I received was that more funding is provided for students who need extra assistance than for students who are academically gifted. I firmly believe from experience that money is necessary, but clearly not the only solution.

I believe that mentoring is the key to a student’s success. Often a student does not receive the mentoring he or she needs at home. In many cases a student may refuse to listen to a parent, but will listen to a teacher, coach or advisor outside of the home. Showing genuine and sincere interest in a student as a school staff member can have a profound impact on a child. Personally, I have found that my high school mentor, the Reverend Michael Wesley CSB, has had a profound and positive impact on my direction and future, as well as on the many other students and athletes whom he came into contact with over the years. He was my math teacher, my coach, and most importantly my friend. Although he passed away during my freshman year in college, not a day goes by that I do not think of him and recall how he guided me as a young man. Attached is his bio which was written for his posthumous induction into the Aquinas Institute Hall of Fame in 2007. I believe that in our roles as parents, teachers, coaches and administrators, we should all aspire to be more like Reverend Wesley. It only takes one person to change a life.