Caleb (not his real name) decided to become a Teen Pal mentor during his sophomore year in high school.  In his essay for National Honor Society he describes what he learned from his experience. We thought you would enjoy hearing what he had to say.....
 
The Teen Pal Mentoring Program has been fun and trying at the same time.  It's a big commitment to spend time with a kid that is younger than you, not in your own family, who you don't know at all, and hang out for 2 hours a week.  It gets tricky when you have football practice, homework, and school the next day.  I'm not complaining or bragging, I wouldn't change a thing.  I love being with my Pal.  I was utmost nervous to take on the responsibility, but I knew that these kids need help.  My pal doesn't have a father figure in his life, and when he does it's not always a good one. It has been hard for him to attach to any male, and it has taken me about 2 months to get him to trust me enough to talk about things in the past and to become friends.  I've learned how to get to know someone in-depth and personal, to know when to ask questions and when to be quiet, when to press for answers or just listen and just be there for them.  I've learned life isn't a play with a script, and you can't turn to the last page to find out how it's resolved.
 
My pal isn't like me in many ways so that was difficult too. I'm into sports and outdoors, he's more of a video game occasional sports kid.  He's also very shy and struggles in school.  I loved every minute of this experience because it made me step out of my comfort zone.  It was worth all the small sacrifices to be a big brother to someone for a few hours a week, or a lifetime. To see him light up and smile every time he sees me makes it all worth it. 
 
I've learned a lot from helping the community, and we need to so desperately because there are many more kids out there like my Pal.  Get out there and change someone's life!

 To register conact YouthZone at www.youthzone.com