“It’s a great learning experience,” he said. “When you tutor, you’re reminded of the areas on which you need to brush up. I certainly remember going through some of the lessons that Kenneth is going through now, but going over it with him has been a nice refresher course for me. “Aside from the school work,” he said, “I do really feel like I’ve gained a new friend. We may not see each other much during the day, but when we do, we make sure to say ‘hello’ and ask how the other is doing. It’s like a partnership, really.” Renfro said getting to know Taylor through the YouthFriends program has helped calm the nerves that come along with being a freshman in a school of 800 students. “It’s definitely made me more outgoing,” he said. “I don’t feel as shy now, because I know there is an upperclassmen here who is my friend and that I can talk to him if I need to.”
Renfro also said he is doing better in school because of Taylor’s influence and assistance. “Each day, we come in and look at my grades and talk about any missing assignments,” Renfro said. “So, knowing he is going to see them has made me try harder, and I know for a fact that my grades wouldn’t be as good as they are now without being in this program.” Freshman Aubri Wilbert said spending time with her YouthFriend, junior Kaylin Moser, has motivated her to improve her grades. “This program has helped a lot with my grades,” Wilbert said. “It gives me motivation to do well because if Kaylin is going to be willing to spend time helping me, I don’t want that to go to waste. She makes me want to be better.” Moser said she enjoys spending time with Wilbert and is happy to call the two “friends.” “We talk in the halls, ask how each other is doing,” Moser said. “She’s definitely one of my good
friends now.” Juniors Andie Casper and Nick Vacca, both YouthFriends mentors, said the program has many benefits. “It gives the students an opportunity to interact with someone that they would not normally interact with,” Vacca said. “It gives the freshmen someone to look up to, a role model. Being a mentor gives us the responsibility of being somewhat influential on another student’s grades and overall high school experience.” Casper said the relaxed, quiet setting helps enhances the effectiveness of the program. “It’s a comfy place to sit and do homework and to talk,” she said. “The goal is to make sure the younger students are getting their work done and for them to know that we’re here if they need anything. I think it’s a wonderful program, and I enjoy volunteering my time to help out a fellow student.”