Yesterday, I attended the Thanksgiving dinner at the Job Corps where I mentor a very special young woman one evening each week. It was a great evening. The volunteer manager and her husband baked a turkey, ham and made mac-n-cheese from scratch. All the volunteers brought something too. It felt like being home.
I don't know if you know anything about the Job Corps, but in case you don't... It's a federally funded program for young people 18-26 years where they can finish their GED and learn a trade. It was intended to help give young folks a leg up out of the circumstances they currently find themselves. All the students are their by choice not a judge's mandate. They live on the center and attend classes in a trade of their choice. (Different centers across the country offer different programs.) They learn at their own pace and are also required to attend scholastic classes until they achieve a high school equivalency.
Anyway, I'm lucky (blessed) enough to be the mentor to Angelica. She is 24 and pursuing her big dream to be a pastry chef. Now, the program she is currently in is the basic course and will certify her as a general kitchen staff member. However, it is the very first step in her big dream. I love to listen to her talk about how she is progressing and I love encouraging her to tell me what she envisions for her future. Angelica, is bright and ambitious. She has a smile that can light up a room and a heart as big as Texas. I'm really proud to call her my friend. I became a mentor to be of service but I swear, I am inspired by this young woman's courage and determination and I learn as much from her as I hope I'm offering in return. She is truly the bright spot in my week.
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