Campus programs aim to connect students, mentor others
Throughout the year, high school students have been mentoring junior high students through the Sister to Sister and Brother to Brother mentor programs. On and off campus lunches provide time for bonding between younger and older students.
Now that the school year is coming to a close, advisors Terry Richards and Katie Reneau are looking for more students to join the program for next year.
Tyus Tillman, ‘22 a new student at Fresno Christian, states what he likes the most about the program.
“Coming to Fresno Christian as a new student, Brother to Brother allowed me to get connected with boys in high school and in my grade,” Tillman said. “It was a kind of bonding experience going out to lunch with my friends and brother.”
This is Paul Cross’, ‘22 , first year participating in the program. Cross states his favorite memories and why this is an important program.
“Since I did not participate last year, I was curious to know what it was like,” Cross said. “I would become an older brother to have a good relationship with a younger. It is good for the older brothers to connect with the younger seventh and eighth graders so that they can teach them how to get through eighth grade and advise them on what to expect in high school.”
Ainsley Thompson, ‘22, has been a younger sister since her seventh grade year. Thompson recommends participating because of the relationship between a younger and older.
“I would definitely recommend this to younger students,” Thompson said. “It sets you up for a relationship that will last throughout all of high school. When I become a sophomore, I will want to participate and be a mentor to a younger student.”
Since I did not participate last year, I was curious to know what it was like. I would become an older brother to have a good relationship with a younger. It is good for the older brothers to connect with the younger seventh and eighth graders so that they can teach them how to get through eighth grade and advise them on what to expect in high school. — Paul Cross
Marin Sue, ‘20, exclaims why younger and older students should participate in Sister to Sister.
“I participated because I wanted to give the good mentorship,” Sue said. “I got to know other students. It is a really good experience to be apart of because you get an older student that you can find support in and who helps you through problems you may have.”
Throughout her two years of participating in the program, Carlie Zamarripa, ‘22, reflects on her favorite parts of the program.
“My favorite parts of the year are always around Christmas time where we get each other gifts,” Zamarripa said. “It’s fun to have the gift giving party where everyone is just happy and having a good time together.”
Sign ups to participate next year in Brother to Brother and Sister to Sister start the first week back from summer vacation for both programs.
For more articles, read JEA/NSPA SF day 1 recap and COLUMN: Roman Endicott reminds readers to ‘live in the present’.
