National Mentor Month: Sisters forge long-lasting relationship with mentor

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

Salli Hebert is one of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Nevada Mentor Center's most dedicated mentors. She is always first to sign up for events and helps with anything that needs doing.

The following is mentoring through her eyes:

"I became a mentor for purely selfish reasons: I missed being around kids. My children were grown and gone and I no longer worked with kids. I saw mentoring as a way to get my kid fix.

"I started out with one young lady who was just finishing fifth grade. As Marie Araseli was part of a large extended family, we often had cousins or siblings join us. As a result of the fun we had, other cousins and her sister wanted mentors as well. With the consent of Araseli I took on her sister Berenice (Betty).

"The girls are one year apart in school. After Betty, the oldest, graduated from junior high I took both of them to Disneyland. This summer, as a high school graduation gift we will be going to San Francisco. While it will be fun, it will also be a learning experience.

"I've tried to expose them to things that they didn't do within their family; my main goal has been promoting education. Knowing how tempting dropping out can be, I am pleased to say that both have worked hard and want to graduate.

"On many occasions the girls and I have discussed the consequences of not graduating. When Betty graduates high school this June she will be the first in her family to do so. That is a great accomplishment.

"When the girls were young we established some traditions. Decorating my house for the holidays, birthday and Christmas sleepovers, miniature golf followed by pumpkin shopping and of course attending all of the Mentor Center functions. I took pictures of all the times and they made scrapbooks to commemorate their activities, and Araseli became interested in photography.

"In addition to graduations, the other most rewarding times are when they ask my opinion about something and listen and discuss my responses. While they both plan on attending college, I know life gets in the way but they understand the importance of education and the opportunities it will bring.

"I will be retiring and leaving the area shortly after Araseli graduates in June 2012. I will have been her mentor for over seven years and Betty's for six. My hope is that they have as good of memories of our times together as I have.

"Watching them grow and mature and knowing that I played a part in their lives is a great experience. I would recommend it to everyone whether you have children of your own or not. Much is to be gained by both parties and it's a lot of fun."

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