‘Mentor’ is not a term that many collegiettes™ may use to describe themselves. Typically associated with expansive life experience and wisdom, this word seems best reserved for, say, a professor or a grandparent. Alia Gilbert (COM ’12) and Emily Johnson (CAS ’12), however, spent this summer fulfilling the role of mentor for the teen girls participating in Teen Voices Magazine’s SHOUT! journalism program.
Teen Voices Magazine is a Boston-based non-profit publication written by and for teen girls. The magazine offers an alternative approach to teen media, encouraging girls to create positive social change by making their voices heard.
In addition to accepting submissions from teen authors all over the world, Teen Voices relies on feature articles that are created during the magazine’s SHOUT! program. SHOUT! is an intensive journalism program that allows teen girls to research and write articles under the guidance of college-aged mentors. The goal of the program is not only to provide the participants with journalistic experience, but also with a strong woman role model.
Both Gilbert and Johnson volunteered their time, about 6 hours a week during the 6-week program, to aid their assigned group of teen girl participants in creating a feature article.
“We went through the entire editorial process together–from research, to outlining, to composing three different drafts of the article,” says Johnson.
Johnson and Gilbert agree that their reach went far beyond the task of composing an article.
“Along with these structured, editorial activities, I also was responsible for being a role model and mentor for these girls,” says Johnson. “We developed a relationship that allowed them to talk to me about their problems and I was able to teach them valuable skills about dealing with stress, boys, and any other life issues.”
Fulfilling the role of a mentor proved to be both daunting and rewarding.
“I loved connecting with the girls,” says Gilbert. “I have to admit, my biggest fear was not being able to relate to them or get them to trust me – and the best part was facing that challenge and overcoming it in the end.”
So what makes a strong Teen Voices mentor? Sincerity, maturity, openness and a good deal of patience, say Gilbert and Johnson, who admit that reaching editorial deadlines could get tough.
“You definitely have to commit fully and love what you do!” says Gilbert. “I learned to take it easy and focus on why I was there: The point of the program is not necessarily the article; it’s about encouraging teen girls to do their best, become independent thinkers and have fun in the process.”
Throughout the program, Gilbert and Johnson witnessed amazing change within their groups, and within themselves.
“The best part of mentoring for me was watching the growth of my two girls,” says Johnson. “It was amazing to see them break out of their shells and express themselves. As their confidence grew, so did their writing talent, and when they put their minds to it, they both produced such fantastic work!”
“The experience was life-changing,” says Gilbert, “and I feel so blessed to have been able to be a part of it.”
Teen Voices offers three SHOUT! sessions a year, and is always accepting interested mentor applicants for upcoming programs. Both Gilbert and Johnson encourage women interested in volunteering to apply.
“Go for it!” says Johnson. “The work is going to be challenging. But at the end of the day, this experience is for [the girls’] growth. Even if the work is not perfect or 100% complete, as long as the girls are learning and developing and having fun then you have succeeded.”
Interested in becoming a Teen Voices mentor? E-mail your resume and cover letter to: hr@teenvoices.com .
Check out www.teenvoices.com for more information on the magazine and how to get involved.