Wonder Where the Positive Role Models are for Youth?
Look to the FUPTP Mentors

One reason FUPTP has been a successful program is due in part to teen mentors. Mentors between the ages of 15 and 20 are employed to help implement the curriculum by teaching small groups of mentees. They are also positive role models, not only for mentees, but for other mentors as well.

Becoming a mentor is not easy. They must be non-pregnant and non-parenting, have a GPA of 2.0 or higher, go through an intensive four week training program, pass a written exam, and be interviewed by current mentors and staff. This summer we have 35 mentors working at both sites. Mentors are recruited in different ways. Some, like Tiffany B., become a mentor after being a mentee. Others, like Sumaiyah C., are recruited at job fairs or through school. Whatever the method, this job is one where they continue to learn and grow, and one they will never forget.

In 1994, Tiffany began as a mentee and became a mentor this summer. "I decided to become a mentor because I was old enough to have a job, and knew the curriculum. I also like working with kids. Working in FUPTP is more valuable than working somewhere else because of the relationships I am building with the other mentors and mentees." During the fall, Tiffany worked as a volunteer mentor because she was not yet 15. Luckily, she turned 15 before the summer program began, and was able to become an official mentor. Tiffany is a sophomore at Madison University High School.

Sumaiyah has been a mentor for over two years and has enjoyed every minute of it. This year she has the added responsibility of being a team leader. "I help mentors by advising them in certain areas, give them tips when I can, and lead mentor group discussions. This summer, Sumaiyah is working with a 14 to 16 year old age group. "I have found that mentees can sometimes become bored with the material, so I make it fun for them. When we discuss the unit on adolescent development and anatomy, I have the mentees do some research on their own and I plan other learning activities. One year, I created a trivia game based on this topic. The mentees really enjoyed it. When they answered questions right, they moved ahead. If they got it wrong, they got an STD and lost a turn. This year we have a computer program called ADAM that helps explain the topic in a fun and interactive way." Sumaiyah also conducts an arts and crafts specialty group where mentees are making piņatas. "They are busy working on animals, vampires and even televisions. Later this summer they will make banners for the march and bake cookies." Being a mentor has meant a lot to Sumaiyah. "When I started, I was really shy. Being a mentor has helped me build confidence, and increase my communication skills. I have also learned patience and consistency. More importantly, FUPTP has helped to give me direction for my future." Sumaiyah recently graduated from Rufus King High School and will be starting Mount Mary College this fall. She plans to major in Behavioral Science and Psychology and minor in Business Management.

We at Rosalie Manor thank the mentors for all their hard work and dedication, and wish them the best of luck in their futures!