Student Credits her Mentor for Seeing What's Possible

“I had no idea where I was going,” says Asia. “I had my challenges in middle school and high school, and some mental demons to contend with. This program helped me realize the kind of person I want to be.”

Before Asia was referred to the PCHAS, she was anxious and angry. She candidly states that she “never understood how to speak with others and would cause fights with everyone.” She even began harming herself. But then the PCHAS mentoring program matched her with Simone Zachary.

Simone taught Asia to see possibilities for herself. They set goals together and laid out a path to reach them. Having an adult who believed in her gave Asia the encouragement to stay in school. “Simone encouraged me to grow as a student and as a person. She inspired me to consider how I want my future to unfold.”

Numerous studies show that mentoring decreases school absences and reduces behavior problems. Youth who meet regularly with a mentor are 37% less likely than their peers to skip a class and 52% less likely to skip a day of school. PCHAS trains its mentors to meet at least weekly with children and customize plans to overcome long-term struggles.

Asia set goals beyond high school. She is a college student now with a 3.4 grade point average. At Indiana State University, she herself has become a mentor, helping freshmen navigate their first year of college. “I want to thank everyone who has helped me on my journey to success,” Asia says. “I hope to be a part of something that matters to others the way mentoring has mattered to me.”

For information about becoming a paid part-time mentor or to refer a child, ages 5-19, to the program, call 800-888-1904 or contact us online.