Mentor Connector

After several cancellations due to weather,etc we finally managed to come together for mentor connector orientation. The research team advisers (including our own Candace Figg) are amazingly dedicated to the success of the program, and I also have faith that this will work to the students benefit.
The program basically entails several pre-service students to mentor high school aged individuals to help them gain the confidence necessary to succeed (by establishing a trusting relationship). The medium used to coordinate this communication is an online web portal resembling a chat/webct/facebook interface. The mentors have made a schedule so that between the time period of 5-10 during the week, someone is "online" and available for chat with students of three different local high schools.
After discussing different scenarios that could evolve, I became more confident in my mentoring skills. For example, we discussed how a mentor would respond to an at risk child who is considering running away from home. One individual suggested that you start backwards and work your way to the specifics by asking "Do you have a place to go other than home?" to ensure the students safety.
I start mentoring tomorrow, and I am excited and hopeful that there will be students to talk with. Although these kids have been using the Internet for several years now, we want them to see how the Internet can be a positive influence on their lives and ability to communicate.