Do you ever ask yourself this question?  Sometimes on a day-to-day or week-by-week basis it is not easy to determine if the time you are spending with your mentee is truly making a positive impact. 

Below are some points upon which you may wish to reflect as you review this year's mentoring experience.  These questions are provided through the courtesy of The Connecticut Mentoring Partnership, Business Guide to Youth Mentoring.  Adapted from What's Working? Tools for Evaluating your Mentoring Program, Search Institute, 2001.

As you read over these points, recall those interactions that occurred between you and your mentee and the resulting positive influence each of you has experienced.

Let us know if this exercise was helpful.

Because of our relationship, I think my mentee . . .

Support:

·        Feels that there are more adults who care about him or her

·        Feels that there are more people who will help him or her

Empowerment:

·        Feels he or she has more future options

·        Believes he or she is a better leader

Boundaries and Expectations:

·        Feels others see him or her as more responsible

·        Has higher expectations of him- or herself

Constructive Use of Time:

·        Has more interests and hobbies

·        Is involved in more youth programs or activities (such as sports, music, religious)

Commitment to Learning:

·        Has a better attitude toward school

·        Has better grades and test scores

·        Comes to school better prepared (such as having homework done)

·        Has better classroom behavior (such as paying attention and not being disruptive)