SPOTLIGHT ON ... Being a mentor

Tameka Kyles has devoted her career to helping young people meet their educational and career goals: She works with the Southeast Missouri State University College Access Program, where she helps students and families from Cape Central High School prepare and plan for post-secondary education.

"My passion stems from the relationship with my former high school track coach. He assisted me with advancing into higher education, which in turn became my passion to do the same," says Tameka.

She went on to pursue an education degree from Eastern Michigan University, and during her summer breaks she worked as a youth activities coordinator for a recreational facility in Cleveland. In this position, Tameka worked with inner-city youth and had her first experience as a mentor.

"Years later, my mentee matured into a successful young woman, obtaining her bachelor and master degrees. Now, at the age of 25, she is pursuing her Ph.D.," says Tameka.

As for Tameka, she has worked and volunteered for several youth-oriented community organizations, including Boys & Girls Club, Missouri Mentoring Partnership, Alternative Opportunities and the Missouri Bootheel Regional Consortium, and earned her master's in public administration from Southeast Missouri State University.

Tameka lives by her mother's words of wisdom -- "If you do right, then right will follow" -- and she believes so strongly in the power of mentoring that she encourages all adults to reach out to the young people in their lives.

"Mentoring imparts assurance, knowledge and opportunities toward a mentee's attitude on life, challenges and achievements," she says. "The mentor-mentee relationship is an enriching experience that lends a teachable moment for many life lessons."

You can mentor through an organization like Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Club or United Way, or simply connect with a young person in your church or neighborhood who could use a helping hand.

Think you're not "cool enough" or "important enough" to be a mentor? Think again.

"Anyone can be a mentor because everyone has something to offer," says Tameka. Tutoring, playing a sport or even going to the movies are all easy ways to spend time with a young person while serving as a positive, supportive role model.

"I also would recommend each and every adult to take the time to converse and encourage a youth with attaining their personal and professional goals," says Tameka.