Mark Oh works in the fast paced corporate world of SAS provision – delivering data, software and AI solutions. Despite his busy life, he has always been interested in giving back and in 2022 was looking for an opportunity to support young people.
“I saw one of the Raise ambassadors talking about Raise youth mentoring and thought that this might be a way to do something helpful, to give back to the community. I’d been working in the corporate world for so many years and was looking for more than a one-off gesture. I wanted to make a meaningful difference over a period of time” says Mark.
“I have teenage children and thought that I might also learn some tips and tricks which could help my teenagers” Mark continues.
A positive ripple effect
Mark approached his workplace about taking the few hours off each week for the duration of the Raise program and they were very supportive. Now mentoring for a second time, Mark can see the benefits which result from the Raise program for the young people he mentors, himself, his family and his workplace.
“I learnt skills which I can use in other parts of my life. I manage a team and a lot of the things I learnt from the program, and the mentees and mentors I’ve met, I can apply at work and at home” Mark says.
When reflecting on the benefits to the young person, Mark says “I’ve seen personal growth in the mentees as they go through the program. They are more comfortable talking to adults, opening up and talking about matters which are impacting them. They get better at asking for help. I’m proud of that and of them.”
When it comes to what he has gained from being a Raise mentor, Mark says “you learn things about yourself. I also think it is good to stop and think about others, to help and support other people.”
To support his own positive mental and physical health, Mark runs on a daily basis and tells us “I’ve always been a runner. I find it quite meditative and cathartic. It allows me to de-stress from the busyness of work, travel, family and everything.”
Challenging himself for Raise
With a milestone birthday occurring during his second year of mentoring, Mark decided to challenge himself and signed up to run the 100km Surf Coast Century, a trail ultramarathon in Victoria.
Not one to let an opportunity to help pass by, Mark decided to motivate himself and support more young people at the same time, raising $1,087 for Raise as part of his ultramarathon efforts.
Raise is powered by mentors and funders and it’s through the generous, extraordinary efforts of people like Mark that young people are able to survive and thrive during the challenging early teen years and beyond. We thank Mark for supporting young people and helping create more resilient communities.
