Student Mentorship of Hillgrove High School By: Benny Arredondo

Hillgrove’s mentorship program connects students with experienced mentors to help them succeed academically and personally. These mentors, often upperclassmen or teachers, guide younger students through tasks, answer questions, and provide support in various aspects of school life. Claire MaCantire, a student mentor here at Hillgrove, explains, “I try to help students and teachers with different tasks to make sure they have the best experience possible.” This not only helps mentees improve their skills but also gives mentors the opportunity to develop leadership and communication abilities.

One of the key benefits of the mentorship program is its ability to build social confidence. Joaquin Castro, another student mentor at Hillgrove, shares that the program forces students to interact with others, which can boost their confidence. “If you’re shy, you’ll be forced to talk to people,” Joaquin says. “That will probably help you become more social.” Mentors are expected to engage with everyone they meet, whether their peers or staff members, which helps develop strong social skills.

Mentorship also teaches responsibility and independence. Mentors are tasked with various duties, such as checking in books at the library and helping to organize tasks. These responsibilities give mentors a sense of accountability and organization. Joaquin notes, “It’s an easy A, but you have to do the work. You don’t just sit around, you actually have to do the tasks you’re given.” This teaches mentors the importance of following through and staying focused on their tasks.

To support mentors, Mrs. Recinos, the program coordinator/ librarian, provides hands-on training, explaining each task in detail and offering guidance when needed. She believes that mentors always have room to grow and learn. “I learn as they go,” Mrs. Recinos says. Her approach helps mentors feel supported while gaining valuable experience.

Looking ahead, Mrs. Recinos hopes to continue improving the mentorship program by gathering feedback from both mentors and mentees. Recent changes include moving to a digital sign-in system in the library, allowing the program to keep up with technology. Mrs. Recinos also plans to expand the program in the future, ensuring that all students, regardless of background or experience, can have the opportunity to benefit from mentorship and develop skills they can use in school and beyond.