Jim, one of FORGE’s dedicated mentors, is a retired gentleman with an unwavering passion for guiding and inspiring young minds. His remarkable journey with Junior, his mentee for nearly three years, exemplifies the profound impact mentorship can have.
Together, Junior and Jim have embarked on a multitude of adventures, each one etching beautiful memories of their time together. From exhilarating races with RC cars to cheering on their favorite hockey teams, from perfecting their aim at the shooting range to skillfully navigating hand-held drones through the open sky – they’ve experienced it all. Yet, one adventure stood out as truly exceptional – soaring above the Tri-Cities in a small passenger plane.
Junior fondly recalls the breathtaking moment when they flew over a local mountain, exchanging waves with the tiny figures below. “In that plane,” Jim shared, “there are no distractions; it’s just us, sharing stories, listening, and strengthening our bond.”
While flying is an extraordinary adventure, Jim’s mentorship extends far beyond thrilling escapades. Recently, he took on the task of teaching Junior how to ride a bike. The joy of riding a bike is a milestone that many of us treasure from our childhood – a moment of newfound independence and self-discovery.
Now, Junior and Jim frequently pedal through their neighborhood together, relishing the shared experience. Junior expressed how even the simple act of biking with Jim has made him feel less alone.
Jim believes that being a mentor is a powerful way to make a lasting impact with a small investment of your time. While you may not be able to take your future mentee on an aerial adventure or hit bullseyes at a shooting range, you can certainly make a difference.
Junior enthusiastically declares, “If you want to help kids, there are a million fun things you can do together, kids just want you to be there for them.”
Becoming a mentor is like riding a bike – a meaningful milestone and a step towards serving your community. You never know what transformative moments may await until you take that first ride. Join us on this incredible journey of mentorship, and together, let’s create more inspiring stories like Jim and Junior’s.
60+ Youth Are Waiting… Start Your Mentorship Journey Today! 🎯
You already have what it takes to be a mentor – empathy and a willingness to listen. Don’t underestimate the power of connection.