When I sit down at my desk in the morning, I can't help but smile. When I'm having a tough moment at work, I wobble Dwight's head and think "what would Dwight Schrute do in this situation"? Too damn funny. Thanks guys for getting these for me. I absolutely love them!!
IBM has a dedicated On Demand Community that encourages volunteers from IBM (from all business units, ages, diversity groups) to work with various community organisations such as the Smith Family and ICRA. I've been involved with both - online mentoring with the Smith Family and face-to-face mentoring with ICRA youths.
ICRA was founded by Fadi Rahman who started the centre for disadvantaged and marginalised Muslim youth in south-western Sydney. The Centre has the objectives of bettering the lives and improving the self-esteem of the youth in the community. In 2007, IBM came on board with eager committed volunteers and DIAC gave the initative the financial backing required. I was involved in the pilot in 2007 and due to the success, came on board again this year.
I've had two mentees - they are just the loveliest kids. Many people ask me what exactly we mentor these kids in - to be honest, every individual is different and has different needs. Some of them know exactly what they want - be it a high HSC UAI or get involved in an apprenticeship - and others are there just to listen to you talk about your own life and experiences. My specific mentees are both currently undertaking the HSC in 2008 and want to get the best marks possible. We have discussed issues such as motivation for school, dealing with difficult teachers, getting in trouble with the law particularly speeding, peer pressure,anger management, life beyond school. I hope I've offered some sage advice.
It's one of the most rewarding things I've done. I feel like I've made a small difference -to give a young person a different perspective on life and some skills to deal with difficult circumstances cause let's be honest, these kids have it tough. Just look at the complete racist bullshit that is happening in Camden at the moment. On a tangent, it's absolutely abhorrent that people have the temerity to be on national television sprouting disgusting racist bile. They might as well be wearing white hoods.
Back on topic, it's also really challenging for me but a wonderful feeling to build trust, respect and rapport in a mentoring relationship. I have learnt a lot from my mentees - how to be patient, a good listener, to be non-judgmental and to be a better person. I recommend volunteer work to anyone and to move outside your comfort zone. Also, they feed me dinner every Wed night - bloody yummy lebanese cuisine like falafel rolls with tabouli and hummous. :-)
Here's a link to the DIAC page with a quote from yours truly haha
