The Friends Mentoring Program of the Fayette County Public School System is celebrating National Mentoring Month throughout January by recognizing the service of current mentors, and recruiting new program participants.
The theme for this year’s National Mentoring Month is “Mentoring Works.”
And no one knows that more than John Masler, a 12-year veteran of the Friends Mentoring Program.
Masler has worked with five male students during his tenure with the program. All of the boys were without fathers in their lives for various reasons and Masler knew they needed a positive male role model. He also knew his visits to the boys’ schools had to be consistent if he was going to help them.
Students grow to depend on their mentors being at school on the specific days and times that are arranged. In fact, research has shown that broken commitments can do more harm than good.
“I commuted to Atlanta for work during four of my 12 years as a mentor,” Masler said. “During that time, I visited my student at his school at 7:15 a.m. If I had a work conflict, I always found a way to get to the school once a week.”
The Friends Mentoring Program is accepting new volunteers. No special skills are needed; a consistent commitment of time is the only requirement.
Anyone interested in learning more about mentoring, and the Friends Mentoring Program, can contact Program Manager Jane Gough at 770-460-3990, ext. 255.
