Your background and what inspired you to become a Pioneer — What drew you to this role, and why did you want to get involved with Follow My Steps?

 

To be completely transparent, I didn’t know anything about “Follow My Steps” until I participated in the “Mentoring Matters 5K Event” in 2023 with Hubert. He first planted the seed, and after the event, my sister thought it would be a good idea for me to sign up as a mentor. I figured I was too busy at the time with teaching and coordinating students to travel abroad, so I didn’t sign up - though I was interested.

 

Once I stepped away from teaching, I wanted to positively impact the lives of students, so I signed up to be a mentor. Furthermore, my mentor transformed my life when I was fourteen years old, and twenty years later, he still guides until this day. I felt a responsibility to impact someone else’s life in the same way.

 

The growth you’ve seen in your mentees — Are there any standout moments or success stories that have stuck with you?

 

So, I actually have two mentees. Officially, I mentor Edgar. Unofficially, I mentor Destiny.

 

Allow me to explain.

 

Before being paired with Edgar, Destiny was my student. I encouraged her to apply for “Follow My Steps”, and I told her I would continue to mentor her alongside whoever she was paired with in “Follow My Steps”.

 

Destiny has shown tremendous growth. It has been an honor for me to see her put in the hardwork and dedication necessary to study abroad. She has just received news that she has been accepted to study in Spain this summer for three weeks.

 

We have created a GoFundMe titled, “#DestinedForSpain”, to raise money for her trip to Spain.
 

Link: www.TinyURL.com/DestinedForSpain

Moreover, it has been a privilege to see the growth in Edgar, though I was only paired with him towards the end of 2024. I truly appreciate his desire for independence and freedom. Yet, he is wise enough to ask for guidance and not move recklessly. I am awed by his ability to juggle his social life, school, and work. Being around him inspires me to push myself a little harder for the dreams I have in life.