Math teacher Carla Thomas, Senior Jordyn Gross and Sophomore Will Chuba talk about their mentors, and their impact on them. 

Gross chose her dad as her mentor. Ever since she was born, Gross has always looked up to him. 

“He was always confident and never embarrassed of what he did. If we’re supposed to do something in public but like I’m embarrassed about doing it, then he’ll do it and be fine with it,” Gross said. 

Similar to Gross, Thomas’ mentor is a parent as well. Thomas admires how giving her mother is, and strives to carry on that legacy. 

“I hope that when my own children someday look back, that they could say that I am half the person that my mom is,” Thomas said. 

For Chuba, his mentor is Senior Osahon Ogbevoen and the upperclassmen in the theater community. Chuba reflects on how they have impacted him, and made him a better person. 

“Seeing their success is very inspiring, because I’m someone who sets high standards for myself as well, so when you see someone else in that position, you’re like, ok, I can do that too,” Chuba said. 

Along with Chuba, Gross also feels inspired when she sees her dad’s success. 

“He does something at my church, he does a golf thing every Thursday, he’s joined more things and it’s made me want to join more as well,” Gross said. 

The goal for every mentor is to guide their mentee through life, with advice that will last a lifetime. Thomas shares the lessons she has learned from her mom that have stayed with her to this day. 

“You’re here to make a difference in life, and it’s not all about you, and you need to stop living your world as if it’s all about you, and focusing on how you can help others, how you can make the world a better place, and how you can give back,” Thomas said. 

Chuba also obtained great advice from his mentor, Ogbevoen, as well. 

“You should take something to heart, but you shouldn’t take it too personally. Like let something motivate you, but not to the point where it drags you down, like has a really negative effect on your mental well-being,” Chuba said. 

As for Gross’ dad, he gave her advice regarding self-acceptance. 

“Be yourself, and if people don’t like it, they don’t like it,” Gross said. 

Mentorship is based on reciprocity. People should have a mentor, and also be a mentor for other people. Thomas explains why having a mentor is so important. 

“If you don’t have anybody to look up to, and help show you the correct path, I feel like you’re more likely to not make good decisions,” Thomas said. 

Mentors deserve a lot of appreciation for the ways they help their mentees. Thomas reflects on how thankful she is to have her mom as a mentor. 

“I feel like my mom has put me where I’m at. I love my job. I love my family. I love my life. And, she helped guide and mold me through my elementary, middle school, high school, college years to get me where I wanted to go,” Thomas said. 

Gross wanted to thank her dad for who she has become, along with being someone that other people look up to. 

“It’s just a good feeling to know that you’re like somebody who’s doing good things,” Gross said.