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In pandemic, matching students with mentors especially beneficial

Aug 26, 2020

Holly Gray - Education Foundation of Sarasota County Staff Member

Holly Gray | Director of Student Support

Recently, volunteer mentors and I have had an uptick of texts and emails from students we serve. Their messages are along the lines of “just saying hi” and “checking in to see how you are” — typically, codes for “I need to talk.”

The disruption caused by the pandemic has resulted in many students having to revise their original plans for after high school. They instinctively know that turning to their support system will give access to a sounding board and help them talk through options and weigh pros and cons.

Recently, during a call with a new high school graduate and his mentor, the student revealed that he was set to start a fireman/emergency medical technician program this fall, but he decided to hit pause when his mother, an immigrant, developed physical problems that keep her from doing the only work she can get. Continue reading.