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Ever wondered about SOY’s “CLICK” mentoring program? “Jen” is a 22 year old self-identified queer/black/woman/youth. She moved to Toronto after having been estranged from her family and dropping out of school. Feeling isolated and disenfranchised she connected with the SOY mentoring program. Jen is open about the challenges she faces: “At the moment I have no relationship with my family, I am a university drop-out with no applicable job skills, and for the first time in my life I can honestly say I am so economically disenfranchised that at times I fear for my basic security, for example: I do not always know how I will afford my next meal.” Paired with a philosophy professor, “Susan”, who Jen describes as “one of the coolest individuals I have ever had the pleasure of meeting,” she places tremendous value on the relationship she has with her mentor. “Whether it is seeing a crazy movie like Black Swan together, or being introduced to new music, it's always an immense joy for me when we hang out. In so many ways she has helped better my life.” Jen loves philosophy too and had studied it before. Her and Susan’s shared passion for it was a lucky break. Jen hopes to go back to school eventually and greatly values what connecting with Susan and her philosophy background has added. But it’s only one aspect of their relationship. “The second way my mentor has benefited my life is really quite simple: she encourages me to think positively of myself.” Jen says that certain negative concepts about herself have been so ingrained in her that it’s hard to ignore them, even though she knows them to be untrue. Susan has helped to challenge that. The best advice she’s given Jen is that “you can't be a failure at 22.” Jen says she might have concluded that on her own, but “it gives it a whole new meaning when someone I respect, someone who is older and successful in her life and career, agrees with that truth.” She emphasizes, “the goal in this account… is not only to share my story with you but to also stress the importance of organizations that foster an environment that is queer/woman-positive, race-conscious, and in general safe for all of us on the margins trying to understand ourselves, hear our own voices, and stand in solidarity with each other. One of the biggest strengths of the mentoring program, according to Jen, is “to connect youth to an adult they can respect and not feel judged by, or better yet someone who is living life openly and honestly in a world that isn't falling apart, living queerness and thriving.” Everyone involved in mentoring has their own story and unique qualities, and participants come from every walk of life. If you’re interested in finding out more about the mentoring scheme, including how to get involved, click here. If you feel able to support the mentoring program with a donation, however large or small, please click here. *names have been changed for privacy and protection |
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