As I began my first semester at Indiana University in the Fall, I quickly realized how I am solely surrounded by other students my own age. I have been working with children since I have been old enough to babysit, so I decided to get involved with the youth here in Bloomington. After learning about various programs on campus, one club particularly stuck out to me: College Mentors for Kids.

College Mentors for Kids is an organization at Indiana University that pairs college students on campus with elementary school-aged children from local schools in Bloomington. All mentors and buddies meet weekly and particpate in a variety of activites together. The purpose of this program is to provide children with a role model and a consistent figure in their lives, giving them guidance and stability. I loved the premise of this club and decided to join to be paired with my own buddy.

I was paired with Cadrian, a 4th grade student from Fairview Elementary in Bloomington. Her favorite color is purple, she loves Butterfingers, and her favorite TV show is "Stranger Things". She is a bright young girl and we have had so many memorable experiences together already! During our weekly visits we have decorate pumpkins for Halloween, planted trees to raise awareness for the environment, and learned about various different cultures and diversity!

I love being able to work with children while being at college; I am so grateful for this opprotunity to be a mentor to Cadrian. College Mentors for Kids finances all the supplies for the weekly activites, as well as provides transportation for all the buddies to travel to campus. With the support of many generous donors, the club has been able to continue for many years here at IU, but in order to be able to continue mentoring young students, we fundraise money every year. This year, my personal goal is to raise $200. If you would like to support my cause, all donations would be greatly appreciated, thank you for supporting this organization and all the little buddies!