Thanks, Benji.

My mentor is Benji, and he’s outstanding because he’s always there for me. He
always made it a priority to meet with me: he took me to Steak ‘n Shake, we talked about grades, how I was doing with friends, and he helped me with sports. In addition to that if for some reason one of us couldn’t make it, we reschedule the meeting, and that made me feel like I could really rely on him. Another reason my mentor is outstanding is because I trust him. He would give me his honest opinion. If I was doing something the hard way, he would give me an easier way to do it. I trust him because he encouraged me in everything. Along with everything else, he also helped me work on my portfolio: he gave me ideas on how to put it together, he helped me revise it, and he took me to print it at Staples. That’s why my mentor should receive the Mentor of the Year award.

Submitted by Mentee Santos.

Well done, Bria

Nomination for outstanding mentee:

My mentee is outstanding because she has shown great inner strength in the face of trials and setbacks. She has goals and is persistent in reaching them. Bria has a quiet, sweet spirit and is always considerate and respectful. She is also so appreciative of anything that is done for her and is so undemanding to say the least. The way she interacts with her siblings shows she cares for them very much, and she admires and loves her Mother and says she is an example of real courage. If Bria is an example of our future and our world then we are in good hands.

Submitted by Mentor, Cora.

Thanks, Marylyn.

Everyday this week we are going to be posting a nomination that has been submitted by Project Leadership mentees and mentors for Outstanding Mentor/Mentee of the Year Award.

This comes from mentee Latesha nominating her mentor, Marylyn:

She is the most wonderful person to me. She has been the blessing in my life this year. She has been there for me and has made me happy in every single way and that’s the biggest gift of all. I don't look to her as a mentor she is more like my sister. And she encourages me to do better but also strive for excellence. She seems to know when I am going through something and just like an angel she wraps her loving arms around me and saves me from my hurt and pain. So if anyone deserves an award for outstanding mentor it would be Marylyn and even if she doesn’t get it she still is the most wonderful, beautiful, amazing, blessing in my life.

today: portfolio day.

In the office today we have had lots of fun Project Leadership visitors dropping off Portfolios and Portfolio pages for the Project Leadership Project Portfolio Contest. It is so exciting to receive the completed portolios that mentees have spent many hours working on. The best part of the Portfolio Contest is that its not just another assignment that students won't use again...its the opposite! The portfolios will be very useful for the students to apply for jobs, college, and scholarships. I wish I had a Project Portfolio when I was in High School! It would have been so helpful later when the time came for writing my resume.

Look for pictures later highlighting some of our awesome entries.

Here are the categories for the Project Portoflio:
Dreams
Talents
Leadership
Teamwork
Academic Skills
Resume
Mission Statement
Work Experience
Recognitions

What great topics to invite students to reflect on their success. Holding the Project Portfolio contest is just one way for Project Leadership to encourage mentees in their quest to chase after their dreams.

peace & portfolios,

Katie [PL intern]

Thankful to be here

Hey I am Katie Harvey an intern for Project Leadership. I am in my second week here and am loving it! The staff and office atmosphere are so positive and fun. It has been so wonderful getting to know the organization and its mission and goals for the community. I would love to be able to meet every mentee and mentor and hear their stories but I know thats not possible since we have almost 200 matches! Wow!

That is why we have created this blog. We want to hear from you. How has Project Leadership or being a 21st Century Scholar impacted your life? What have you learned from your time with your mentor/mentee? What is your favorite memory from being in the program?

I hope you will use this as a space to share your thoughts and stories. This blog will also serve as a place for members of the community to get a deeper look at Project Leadership. On June 1st we will begin the Pepsi Refresh Campaign for $250K and will be updating the blog often to encourage everyone to vote. This is a huge opportunity for the program so we will need your help as well!

enjoying my time,
Katie