Take time to thank a mentor

Thursday, Jan. 25 has been designated as "Thank Your Mentor Day." This initiative is part of National Mentoring Month, a joint project of the Corporation for National and Community Service, The Harvard Mentoring Project, and MENTORS. On this special day, individuals are encouraged to thank a former teacher or coach, a relative or friend who served as their mentor.

I'd like to acknowledge all the individuals, since 1971, who have shared their time as a mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County. These special volunteers are as diverse as the children we serve. We have senior citizens with extra time and life experiences to share, busy adults who want to give back and find meaning outside the daily grind of their jobs and high school students who can remember it was just a few short years ago when they would have loved an older student to help them navigate the halls.

Each one of them spends just a few hours a month sharing simple moments that translate into youth who feel more accepted, are less likely to try drugs or alcohol and have improved grades and school attendance. Again, I am truly grateful.

I hope on this special day that you, too, will find the time to thank a former teacher, a coach, a Big Brother or Big Sister, or a special friend who mentored you. I believe that signing up to be a Big Brother or Big Sister translates into a magnificent "thank you." It has been said that there is no greater compliment than imitation. For more information, you can contact our program at 873-5833 or by visiting www. beafriend. org.

Robert F. Moss,

Founder & CEO

Be-A-Friend Program, Big Brothers Big Sisters

of Erie County