When I first heard about Raise, I was walking my dog and noticed a bus shelter advertisement. The challenges young people face today hit home instantly.
The advertisement reminded me not only of the challenges I faced as a young person but also of the ups and downs other young people I know have experienced. The challenges that today’s youth navigate—especially with social media—are immense. Having mentored younger colleagues in my career, I knew I could use my positive outlook and personal experiences with resilience to support a young person.
As an investor and entrepreneur who had recently stepped away from a corporate career, I was looking for ways to give back to my community. Youth mentoring with Raise felt like the perfect opportunity to combine my life experience with a chance to make a difference in a young person’s life in my local community.
So, I applied to be Raise mentor that very day.
The Experience: A Journey for the Soul
From the very beginning, my mentoring journey was filled with growth. Nervousness and excitement turned into attentiveness and reflection as I met with my mentee every week. The training I received beforehand prepared me well, and the ongoing guidance from the Raise Program Counselor was invaluable.
Over time, I noticed subtle changes in the mentees in the group —little signs that the conversations mentors were having and the strategies discussed were making a difference. It wasn’t about big, dramatic moments but rather a steady process of discovery and connection. By the end, I felt a deep sense of fulfillment, knowing I had played a small but meaningful role in someone’s life.
Learning from Today’s Youth
Mentoring gave me a window into the challenges young people face today beyond what I experience as a parent. The constant pressure of a “social and peer world” that’s always at their fingertips is something my generation didn’t experience. But the universal struggles of fitting in and finding your place in the world remain the same. That’s why the Raise program is so vital—it offers young people a safe space to be heard, understood, and supported.
Highlights and Takeaways
The process of becoming a mentor was seamless yet impactful. The training was structured without being rigid, allowing me to bring my own personality to the role while staying focused on my mentee’s needs. For anyone considering it, my advice is simple: just say yes.
Personally, this experience made me step outside my own bubble. It’s humbling to realize how much a small act of giving can impact someone else’s life—and how it can change you in the process. I think about my mentee often and hope they are doing well. And without hesitation, I’ll be back next year to mentor again. Why You Should Get Involved Mentoring isn’t just about helping someone else—it’s about growing as a person and finding meaning in connection. If you’re considering joining Raise, I can promise you this: it’s good for the soul, and it’s an experience you’ll carry with you long after the program ends. Let’s make sure every young person has the opportunity to feel seen, heard, and supported.
If you are interested in becoming a Raise mentor apply today!
By Guy Maine