Minds Matter of NYC

Last but not least, meet Alexis and his mentors, Abhi and Beto! Their Team Leader, Kat, tells us how they have grown together over the years. EVERY single mentor on our team believes Alexis has grown the most. He has made a 180 since sophomore year. As a triad, Beto, Abhi, and Alexis have shown tremendous growth as well. They started out trying to force a relationship and have since become a family. Alexis went from not wanting to participate or open up during session to a young adult who is confident, trusting, outgoing, and thoughtful. He has now formed relationships with and leans on multiple mentors on the team. In my 5 years being a mentor/TL, I believe Alexis is the mentee who has grown the most. It’s been incredible to watch!

Meet Charlene and her mentors, Claire and Jess! Read why their Team Leader, Claudia, says they are a great representation of commitment: Team Charlene has been on it this year, as well as prior years. Charlene is on top of her application game and her bond with her mentors is palpable during session and triad times. They connect over Charlene’s goals, their love for music, and have committed to their weekly triad time despite being on three different time zones (they call it their MM Mixtape Catch Up). Charlene also cheers on mentees in our team and others throughout the program. She has a great sense of humor, which you can hear during our Saturday sessions and Among Us team bonding games. Her commitment to us as a team makes sessions that much better to join!

Excited to highlight three senior triads that embody Minds Matter’s core values! Meet Nate and his mentors, Kelsey and Tarek! Read why they represent community, straight from their Team Leader, Jason: Nate represents all that Minds Matter stands for, in and out of session, from his outstanding work ethic, to his humility, to his genuine desire to help others. Kelsey and Tarek have linked arms to work with Nate and continue to support and push him. Nate has paid it forward by... regularly contributing each Saturday and sharing strategies with other mentees. All three members of this triad participate regularly, sharing not only their successes but their struggles, and create the type of environment that makes it easy for others to open up. They drive the culture of our team forward. I feel very grateful to have them as a part of our group!

The Minds Matter Class of 2020 is starting college! Although an unprecedented year that will bring unique challenges, we are so excited for them to begin their journeys and are here for them through it all. Follow along over the coming weeks as we share where our recent grads are heading for school (whether that be on campus or online)! https://ny.chalkbeat.org//21/american-dream-bronx-brandeis

Hannah is a fifth year MMNYC volunteer! She is a Writing & Critical Thinking Advisor and a member of the Executive Committee. She has also been on the Associate Board. Hannah learned about Minds Matter from another volunteer who was taking over her role when she was transitioning to a new job. You never know who you'll inspire, so share your Minds Matter story! Link in bio for more info.