My PupilPrep Path
By Michelle Weng
PupilPrep to me is not only an organization that allows mentees from disadvantaged backgrounds to receive the extra help they need, but it is a community where people from all types of backgrounds are able to come together and make an impact. I joined PupilPrep during the middle of the pandemic when we didn’t go to school and everyone was encouraged to stay home. With extra free time and the advice from a friend’s recommendation, I signed up to become a mentor for PupilPrep.
Starting out as a mentor was nerve-wracking as I had no idea what to do. It was my first time being responsible for helping a younger student. It was my first time sending out any sort of professional email. And it was my first time scheduling a Zoom meeting and meeting with a mentee. I would chastise myself whenever I stumbled over my words or clicked to the wrong slide of my presentation. As uncertainty comes with many firsts, I learned that it was ok to make mistakes.
Over time, as I got into the rhythm of mentoring, I found that I enjoyed creating a schedule, planning out lessons, and meeting with younger kids. Through PupilPrep, I learned to manage my time to not only meet with my mentees but also complete my schoolwork and even spend time with my family. Mentoring elementary students allowed me to be creative with the lessons and slides I was creating. And the idea that I was spreading knowledge and giving my mentees comfort as a friend during the dark and challenging times motivated me to become a better mentor.
Eventually, my passion and participation in the program led me to apply for the mentor coach position. As a mentor coach, I am able to serve as a guide for other mentors. I create feedback forms for our mentors to gauge their mentoring experiences and receive responses as to how the PupilPrep community is able to improve as a whole. I am not only able to form a connection and bond with mentees, but also mentors as well. Through my experience as a mentor coach, I saw PupilPrep’s mission to support elementary and middle school students with financial and language barriers come to form.
Now, I also hold the position of Assistant Head of Mentoring and work alongside the rest of the PupilPrep executive board to ensure the program runs as smoothly as possible. I work with our mentees, mentors, and even get to connect with the parents of our mentees. As the Assistant Head of Mentoring, I help document the hours that our mentors are submitting, match our mentors to a mentee, as well as respond to the feedback forms submitted by our parents. Reading positive responses from both our mentors and mentees’ parents is truly rewarding as we are able to see the impact this community is making.
I hope that we continue making an impact and that the PupilPrep mission in the future continues to bring not only education but also comfort and support to our mentors and mentees and those who choose to join our community.
