KOTA Territory NewsChildren First: peer mentoring brings students together

Children First: peer mentoring brings students together

In a school of almost 2,000 students, anyone can feel intimidated.

"When I first came in I was scared, I didn't know the building. And from this program, touring around that would have helped," says sophomore Jorge Mata.

That's the kind of help that upperclassmen are giving freshman through "Cobbler 2 Cobbler". The peer mentoring program seeks to make the transition from middle school to high school smoother.

"We are such a big school, there are so many things that go on and I feel like Cobbler 2 Cobbler helps connect all of them," says junior TJ Mead.

Students who want to be mentors are interviewed and complete a training course before becoming part of the program. The mentees either join on their own, or are recommended by parents or staff. The students meet at least once a week to catch up and talk.

The program is only a few years old, but guidance counselor and program advisor Jessica Kanta says participation has skyrocketed.

"A few years ago, we had 80 students and now we're looking at 300 for next year. It's just a great part of our day and I really feel like our students enjoy it," says Kanta.

Another advisor, Tim McGowan says the program also helps steer high school students onto the right track.

"Students that are mentored have a much higher level of engagement and felt more engaged in their school. And they also had a lower risk for engaging in maladaptive or dangerous behaviors, such as sex, drugs, alcohol, or suicide," says McGowan.

The student peers do the mentoring, but if they run into a serious problem with their mentee, they turn to the advisors.

Mead says the program has given her someone to turn to and has taught her to trust other people and come out of her shell.

"I believe it teaches you how to socialize and be comfortable with what you like and it definitely helps with that. It helps you become comfortable with who you are and comfortable moving outside your comfort zone as well as trying new things", says Mead.

Mentors are also required to complete 10 hours of community service throughout the year.

If you're interested in learning more about the program, you can contact Jessica Kanta or Tim McGowan at the Central High School's guidance office.