"Each One, Reach One"- In-depth Education Story

By: Tracey A. Casseus

In college many students enter eager to change the world. Some find their route in politics or science while others seek to change the world one young person at a time.

Few bonds in life are more influential than those formed during adolescence and being a mentor is one of the most important things as well as the simplest one can do for a child. To a child a mentor is an everyday hero who transforms a life or a community through their commitment to make a difference. No special skills are needed; just the willingness to care and spend time with someone who needs you.


For Ithaca College students looking for a way to give back to the Ithaca community and make a difference in the life someone younger the new Student to Student Mentoring Program was just what they were looking for.
The Student to Student Mentoring Program was founded in 2007 through the Ithaca College Community Church. This specific mentoring program partners Ithaca College students with elementary school students at Beverly J. Martin Elementary in downtown Ithaca.

“I like the program,” said 8 year old mentee Mariah. “There are a lot of things you can do, its not just about doing homework, you get to have fun and go places."
The mentoring program meets at least two times per month, solely on Saturdays from around 1pm-4pm at the elementary school.

The goals of this program are not only to create a positive atmosphere for these elementary school students but also to give back to the greater Ithaca community. This program focuses on social skills, academics, as well as self-esteem issues. Most importantly, IC students strive to serve as role models for these students in hopes of creating a growing interest in recieving a college education.

Brionna, a 7-year-old second grader and sister to Mariah explained how she got involved with the program. “There was a paper in me and my sisters backpack about it and I gave it to our mom and we said, ‘are you going to sign us up or not?’ and she said yes.”

Brionna had only good things to say about the program, “It’s good, we get to write and read and I like writing poems and playing in the gym.” The majority of these students come from under-represent groups in society in terms racially, socially, or economically.

Mentor, Chasity Dittmann, a sophomore Television Radio major had this to say as to why she became involved with the program, “Personally I really just want to be a strong positive influence on the young children I come into contact with. I think it’s important to encourage them to go to college, to respect others and respect themselves. I have been thinking about going into education because I realize there are a lot of children growing up without guidance that need it, so that is pretty much my inspiration thus far.”

Becoming a mentor is not a job for these students; no one gets paid for their time or receives class credit. These students take on the roles of delegator, role model, cheerleader, advocate, and friend with these young children as part of their 'commitment to excellence.

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