There aren't too many people that don't already know what our match is like. I talk about it all the time. We met 4, almost 5 years ago. I was very pleased to meet a beautiful, I mean really beautiful, young Mexican girl. She was very shy and not the first one to speak out in her class. Within that first year, she became an excellent student. She began to "fix" her hair, dress with style, and socialize. We since have learned how to make bead jewelry, hook rugs, crochet, color velvet pictures, I lose many games, and we always find some sort of craft for each holiday. I feel that I have only skimmed what we really do.

My little has made me very proud. She is a high honor student for 3 years running. Just this past year, has been chosen to be a mentor for incoming students to Junior High. She is a fabulous example! I love her so much!

A couple of years ago, we decided to begin a great way to reward her-we collect really neat bracelets that we add a special charm for each of her accomplishments. She now wears 2 bracelets!

Anyway, if more people could see how little effort it takes to make a HUGE difference in someone's life, there would not be a waiting list of children to be matched. Spread the word and make a kid smile. It's easy.

Very proudly,
Ruth Witherspoon
School-based mentor program
& Community-based program