The Rewards of Mentoring: Greg & Andrew

by Scott Shlaes

A month ago, I had the pleasure of having breakfast with Greg Morgan. Greg is a founding Board Member of Oregon Mentors, a veteran of youth programming and education of all kinds, and dedicated advocate to children’s well-being. Greg has been a volunteer with Portland Impact Mentoring for two years. The following are excerpts from our conversation.

Who do you mentor and what do you enjoy most about your time with him?

Greg mentors a boy in middle school named Andrew. When talking about Andrew, Greg describes him as a “fun playmate,” and states “he’s a spectacular kid!” He also said, “If we had been the same age, we would be friends.”

Greg enjoys seeing the positive impact he’s having in Andrew’s life and how their time together helps Andrew to grow as an individual. Greg talked about how Andrew is committed to becoming a better reader, and how nervous Andrew was the first time Greg took him to Powell’s to pick up the book The Giver. However, after his initial shock at the size of the store and the amount of books it contains, his attention was drawn to books on airplanes, and his discomfort quickly vanished. Now, Andrew is excited for their next visit to Powell’s.

What have you gained from your Mentor/Mentee relationship?

Greg has a personal mission statement, which he uses as a guide in his life. Part of that statement focuses on, “enriching the lives of others.” Through his relationship with Andrew he can accomplish this personal goal. Moreover, Greg has learned that he is not so different from people dealing with poverty. Through his time with Andrew, Greg has overcome his personal questions of “Will my mentee like me?” and, “Will he think I’m being genuine?” Greg has realized that by being a consistent presence in Andrew’s life, he has provided a much appreciated support system and advocate that Andrew can rely on. Through his behavior, Greg has demonstrated to Andrew that he is genuine and consistent, and Andrew likes him immensely.

Tell me about the support you receive from Mentoring program staff?

Greg greatly appreciates the time and effort Mentoring staff dedicate to nurturing the matches between Mentors and Mentees. Greg states, “Without support, these relationships would fall apart.” Greg appreciates the activities planned for Mentors and Mentees, like going to a football game for Portland State. They give him a chance to meet other Mentors and continue to strengthen his relationship with Andrew.

Greg also appreciates the quarterly trainings provided by Mentoring staff. Trainings like Understanding the Culture of Poverty, or other trainings designed to increase cultural competency are helpful to Greg in understanding some of the systemic issues Andrew faces and how mentoring is a tool to help him overcome these issues.

Is there a message you have for people that may consider volunteering as a mentor?

The first words out of Greg’s mouth are, “It’s easier than you think!” He describes how his mentoring experience has been “more powerful,” than he could have imagined. Greg is amazed at how two hours per week can fundamentally change Andrew’s perception of himself and how he functions. Greg also credits Mentoringstaff support with helping him to successfully manage his relationship with Andrew.

Greg closes our conversation by reiterating how profound of an impact mentoring has had on the lives of himself and his Mentee Andrew in only 2 hours per week.