Hello all, my name is Brayden Lennon. I am currently a senior at North Carolina State University who participates as a Mentor here at the College Mentors for Kids NC State Chapter (for the second year in a row!). Upon applying to be a Mentor, I felt as though this program would give me an opportunity to give back to NC State and the surrounding area, considering how much the university has done for me. Through one year, the program has been much more engaging and exciting for me than I could've imagined. My little buddy Jamaris and I have formed an incredible bond that I look forward to building on in the upcoming year. College Mentors for Kids has given me the opportunity to meet new friends and make lifelong connections, while also providing me with a chance to give back to the community in one of the greatest ways imaginable. Spending time with Jamaris each week has indubitably made me a better person, and the weekly activities have given both of us an opportunity to learn something new each week. I am so pleased to have joined this program, and I hope in writing this I can convince someone else to do the same. 

Now, enough about me. Did you know that mentoring transforms lives? Research shows that kids with mentors view themselves and their futures more positively than those without mentors. Not only do they view themselves in a more confident light, but they also achieve more positive outcomes in school, the workplace, and their communities. And that’s exactly why I’ve chosen to volunteer with College Mentors.

I can't do all of this without your help, though. Please consider making a gift to help me meet my fundraising goal! Your contribution will allow us to continue this program on our campus so that we can spread the power of mentoring.