More than Just Mentoring
Scituate native, 22-year-old Brooke Harrington, was surprised to learn that she could relate to the life circumstances facing inner-city kids today. Given her suburban background, she assumed that the daily challenges of a young South Boston resident would be outside her realm of experience. But she decided to overcome her trepidation and signed up for BGCB’s mentorship program, which matches caring adults with kids whom they feel will benefit from one-on-one attention.
When her parents divorced during her senior year of high school, Brooke coped with her sense of loss by submersing herself in theater and dance, discovering role models in her school teachers. It was their encouragement and support that influenced her to major in technical design and theater at Suffolk University.
Brooke’s resiliency, family history and interests made her a perfect mentor for Dae’, a bright, energetic 12-year-old girl who is an avid swimmer with a talent for music. Dae’ is being raised by her aunt, who often works long hours.
Brooke’s resiliency, family history and interests made her a perfect mentor for Dae’.
“The two were carbon copies of each other,” explained Pre-Teen Specialist Chris Devlin, who oversees the mentoring program at the South Boston Club.
During their weekly two hours together, the pair focused on homework, played Guitar Hero, swam, walked the South Boston neighborhood and learned to play piano, something new to Dae’ despite her musical background. The one-on-one homework attention helped Dae’ focus on tasks that seem daunting at first, and after a year together, her grades improved. For Brooke, the most rewarding moment came when Dae’ memorized, in just one week, a piano excerpt Brooke taught her.
“To pass something on that I love so much, and to see her pick it up with such ease made me want to work with her even more,” Brooke recalls.
While Dae’s accomplishments can be measured in improved grades and new musical talents, Brooke realizes that she has gained at least as much from their relationship. Looking back, Brooke says that she has become more patient as a result of learning to work with Dae’s short attention span. She has also started to infuse fun into everyday tasks, having rediscovered the joy in learning simple things that is so often lost in adulthood.
“Looking back, it’s clear to me that adults outside my family influenced my career choice and helped me through a difficult time in my life even if I didn’t call them mentors at the time,” Brooke said. “I had a blast being a mentor myself, and will be back this year to do it again.”