How much can be accomplished in one hour a week?  Multiply that hour by 40 and you will find that you can positively influence a girl or boy in the Newport Public Schools.  Aquidneck Island Mentoring (AIM) provides an excellent opportunity for adults to make a great difference in the life of a young person.  I know because I have had the privilege of mentoring a girl who is becoming a well-adjusted young lady. Our friendship began when Kiara was a second grader at Carey School.  As part of AIM’s plan, we met at lunch time and, weather permitting, joined outdoor recess.  As time went on she opted to remain inside where we played some serious games of “Hangman.”  She still delights in defeating me and is one tough checkers champ!  Some days I’d return to her homeroom after recess and help her go over some reading or she would show me science projects. 

When the Carey students were transferred to Underwood School, we continued our weekly meetings, “doing lunch” away from the lunchroom.  Some days she’d share with me some concerns about life in general—the usual issues pre-teens deal with.  I gave her some tips on how to finish homework in a timely fashion and locate it where she would remember it on the way to school.  Apparently this advice worked as she improved in handing in completed assignments promptly.   Her parents are very pleased with the program and expressed their gratitude that she and I will continue as mentee and mentor.

Now that Kiara has moved on to Thompson Middle School, I am looking forward to visiting weekly to chat with her and her friends, many of whom ask how they, too, can have mentors.  Having an AIM volunteer is cool!  Are you ready to make a difference in the life of a child?