NATIONAL MENTOR MONTH: For Paul Young, you're never too young to mentor

Note: The Nevada Appeal, with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Nevada Mentor Center, are honoring local mentors in January, National Mentor Month.

Paul Young, 24, has already been mentoring for six years. As a senior at Carson High School, he overheard a conversation about mentoring between his stepfather and the director of the Mentor Center, Ruth Gordon, at a local restaurant one night. His stepfather wasn't ready to be a mentor, but Paul stepped forward with the idea that this would be a great opportunity to give back to the community.

Ruth helped him direct his mentoring efforts into his senior project, and he won the best community-based project for his senior class.

Paul's mentee, Jake, is now 17 and the two have helped one another in more ways than one. When Paul first began mentoring Jake, they would hang out every Saturday at the same time.

"This helped build the trust that Jake needed in me," Paul said.

Over time, it has changed to various nights or events depending on what the week is like.

"Sometimes we just hang out and talk, and other times we go to a movie or bowling," he said.

Paul has been there to see Jake grow, get a job, and gain confidence.

Jake's grandmother says, "Paul has been so good for Jacob and has contributed so much to his growing years. Jacob could not have had a better mentor."

Paul has been so affected by his time with Jake that he now works as the Mentor Center's program coordinator while he finishes a business degree at UNR.

"Jake is like my brother, I take pride in his accomplishments and will always be there to support him," Paul said.

• Bridget Gordon is the outreach specialist for the Boys & Girls Clubs Mentor Center.