Susan Davis: “mentoring impacts the lives of so many in our country. Three million people currently participate in a healthy, caring…”

“mentoring impacts the lives of so many in our country. Three million people currently participate in a healthy, caring mentoring relationship. A quality mentoring program offers a young person the strength, confidence, and stability they need to mature and grow. Witnessing this growth is the unique reward for a mentor's invested time and energy. I believe the best part about mentoring, what makes it so successful, is its simplicity. There is a basic human need to have another's care, support, and trust. A mentor can provide that to a young person, and that gift often inspires a cycle of helping others. Unfortunately, there still exists a gaping deficit of mentors. Approximately 15 million new mentors are needed, which stems from the demand for our Nation's youth to have positive role models in their lives. I recently learned of a particularly touching mentoring relationship in my district in San Diego.”