In Our Own Words: Parent Mentors and the Impact of SSYP
/By Glenda Torres and Sasha Ramos, Parent Mentors
My name is Glenda Torres. I am the mother of five children, three of whom are adopted and two who are my own. I have long been involved in the SSYP community, as all of my children have attended the after school and summer programs that SSYP provides. In addition to my children, my nephews have also been part of this great community. As of right now, my youngest daughter, who is 10 years old, attends the Blackstone Elementary School; she is still in the SSYP program.
I want to tell you how I became a “Mentor Mother.” It all started when my daughter Melanie told me that she wanted very much for me to be a Parent Mentor since the mothers of her friends were Parent Mentors with SSYP in their schools. Seeing what they did, my daughter had the wish that I also be part of the program. Every day she asked me this question, “When are you going to become a Parent Mentor?” Having a full-time job, I couldn't join the program at that time.
Unfortunately, when this pandemic arrived and had an impact on so many lives, I was left without a job. Then, an email came to me saying: apply to be a Parent Mentor! I quickly went to my daughter and she immediately said, “Mommy, you can do it!” I filled out the application. Few days later, I was interviewed by Rafaela and Estephany, the SSYP leaders of the program. I was very excited! As soon as I received the news that I got the job, I told my daughter, “I am going to be a Parent Mentor!” She was very happy.
I am a Parent Mentor at the Blackstone Elementary School, working in a K2 classroom. I also help in the class of special needs students. Being a Parent Mentor is the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me.
I remember the first time I met the teacher. I was super nervous! I was also nervous when I was going to be with the students for the first time. I was scared they would look at me and wonder who I was. Looking back now, it was very funny. The teacher, Mr. B, introduced me to the students and they were all very welcoming.
With virtual learning, I help the teacher when he does the “breakout room” in Zoom. This helps us maintain order in the class. Being virtual is a bit difficult because all the children want to talk at the same time! Also, I support the very shy students; I do my best to get them to feel comfortable to speak out loud and join the class in discussions. I also help with the technology, and I stay on the lookout for admitting students to the class. I offer support to the teacher by searching for videos, songs, or new ideas for the coming class.
This job of being a Parent Mentor has changed my life completely. I feel like I have the talent to work with children. If I had not had this job, I never would have discovered this. At the end of the day of classes, my daughters always come to me to tell me how proud they are of me! They say that I do this job very well. For me, this is priceless.
In addition, I have learned a lot from the children in my classes. They make me laugh! I am always waiting for the next day to come so I can continue my work with Mr. B and the students. I love helping the students in my classes. I want to gain more experience and learn more about the school system so I can advance my work in the Blackstone. I am very grateful to SSYP, Blackstone School and--especially--Mr. B for believing in me! This has been a great opportunity. Thanks a lot!
Hola!
Soy Sasha Ramos, soy una madre mentora desde el pasado octubre 2020. He tenido una experiencia enriquecedora. Desde nuestro entrenamiento empecé a crecer de manera integral(emocional, profesional). He conocido personas geniales, es increíble cómo todos tienen tanto que dar.
SSYP se ha convertido en un lugar muy especial para nosotras(mi hija Sophia y yo) porque hemos conocido lindas personas, hemos vivido lindas experiencias y hemos aprendido mucho, además de relacionarnos con nuestra comunidad y sus necesidades.
Lo que más me gusta de SSYP es que no discrimina y que está enfocado en trabajar cada vez más y mejor siendo muy justos y solidarios. Te hacen sentir capaz de trabajar con propósitos y así he descubierto en mí capacidades que a estas alturas no pensaba tener.
Me siento muy agradecida de la oportunidad que SSYP ha traído a mi vida y deseo que este programa siga creciendo e impactando más vidas, más hogares y más comunidades en todo USA.
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Hello!
I am Sasha Ramos. I have been a Parent Mentor at the Hurley K-8 School since October 2020. From our training days, I started to grow holistically, both emotionally and professionally. I've met great people. It is amazing how they all have so much to give. Being a Parent Mentor has been an enriching experience for me.
SSYP has become a very special place for my daughter Sophia and me. This is because we have met beautiful people, we had lovely experiences, and we have learned a lot. What we do relates to our community and its needs.
What I like most about SSYP is that it does not discriminate and it is focused on being very fair and caring. SSYP makes me feel capable of working with a purpose. I have discovered, in myself, skills that--until this point-- I did not think I had.
I am very grateful for the opportunities that SSYP has brought into my life! I want the Parent Mentor Program of SSYP to continue to grow and impact more lives, more homes, and more communities throughout the USA.