SMYL, It's Awesome

Your upbringing impacts your view of the world and statistically speaking I shouldn’t be where I am today. Thanks to my great aunt and uncle, who doubled as grandparents, I was exposed to travel experiences, a healthy marriage and fulfilling careers; a lifestyle kids in my situation don’t often see.

When approached to serve as a mentor for Seneca Mentoring Youth Links (SMYL) I was excited to pay forward the experiences my great aunt and uncle had passed down to me. For the past six years I have been mentoring a youth. Here is what mentoring in Seneca Mentoring Youth Links is like:

What is SMYL?

This program, similar to Big Brothers, Big Sisters, recruits adults age 18 and up to take on youth within the Seneca County community. This program is unique because it allows people under 21 to mentor and is local to Tiffin, Ohio.

Going in, I figured I would impact the child but my first impression was wrong. The child has impacted me.

The Match

The matching process was smooth and thoughtful. You and the child are interviewed, separately, and from there the case managers review the answers and guide you into a successful match.

I knew, from the moment we met, my mentee and I would get along exceptionally well. We not only shared passion in the arts but grew up in similar situations. I couldn't wait to share all my wisdom and advice with this 9 year old (who is now driving).

What I learned

I travel a little over an hour to make memories with my mentee. She has taught me more about the joys in life and the values I hold true in my heart.

She sees the world for its wonder and beauty instead of the cynical chaos I've come to know. She gets such joy seeing others succeed that I too have deepen my fulfillment from helping others in their success.

Above all she reminded me how important it is to cherish your loved ones because today may be their last.

I am so thankful for the amazing person SMYL placed in my life. My great aunt my be in heaven but I always feel the joy I had with her through my mentee.

I highly encourage everyone to get involved with their community's youth; you will be surprised by how they impact you.

To find out more about SMYL and how to get involved Click Here.