STARS Stories
Guest Speakers from Hitachi at W.T. White and Lakeview Centennial
Bobby, as a first generation college student from a low income neighborhood, talked to STARS at W.T. White about the importance of college and having a ‘why’ behind your goals that will keep you going when times get tough.
Courtney followed Bobby in talking to W.T. White mentors and mentees. She was also a first generation college student who overcame many obstacles to get where she is today. She talked to the students about the importance of education, whether it’s college, trade school, etc, and having mentors that can push you to the next level.
Yosief is an immigrant from Eritria, a very poor country next to Ethiopia. He inspired STARS at Lakeview Centennial to work hard. He told them that regardless of their background, education and hard work will open doors.
Alice talked to Lakeview students about the importance of taking the next step after high school. She stopped school to work and had to go back later in life. She talked about how tough it was, encouraging them to finish their education.
In their words…
“The students at Lakeview Centennial yesterday were respectful and engaged. The mentors and mentees got along very well with each other, and it was really nice to hear about some of their accomplishments and goals for the future. Having dealt with at-risk youth in the past, I am excited to see how connected these students are. I am really impressed with the work Just Say YES is doing to give these kids a peek at what the future can hold if they make the right decisions.”
Alice M. with Hitachi
“Life is full of choices in America, the path you wanted to follow now will determine your entire life. So be courageous enough to carefully choose your path, especially in education. Use education as a powerful tool to take you where you wanted to go. And that starts by doing your homework, studying hard, challenging yourself to know more, having a great role model and following instructions in your Mentor-mentee program.”
Yosief Z. with Hitachi
What 2012 Mentors have to say about the program
“Becoming a STARS mentor has helped me tremendously. It has given me a sense of feeling like I belong. I have become more motivated and determined. I also have a better outlook on life and I know that it’s okay to make mistakes as long as you do your best to learn from it and correct it. I will forever be grateful for getting the chance to become a STARS mentor.” - Lakeview Centennial HS mentor
“While being in this program, I’ve learned how to be more patient with others and calm myself down before I get out of control. I have a more positive outlook on life and accept things as they are without question. This has also helped me decide on what career major I want to go into when I attend college. I’ve looked forward for every Wednesday and Thursday to work on helping the students. This has been the best part of my school year.”
- Lakeview Centennial HS mentor