"I think that looking back if I did have a mentor, it would have made maybe not everything but definitely most of the problems I had a lot easier. I didn't know where to turn to when I needed help; I had to find out the hard way with mistakes then I had to learn from my mistakes. It was not easy; it was very hard. I think if I did have someone to turn to at least, I could have avoided the mistakes and I would definitely feel a lot better about myself. I would have a childhood like normal child would; instead I had to take the responsibility of a grown up in my family because I was the only one who spoke English."

In order to ensure a positive partnership between our mentors and the children/adolescent mentees, Culture Connect, Inc. requires its mentors to:

• Be either 21-years old, or be at least 18 years old and in college
• Participate in Culture Connect, Inc.’s training sessions
• Undergo a background check and screening
• Demonstrate native English fluency
• Possess fluency in a target language and culture from country of origin (or ancestry)
• Demonstrate maturity and responsibility
• Make a minimum 12-month commitment
• Dedicate a minimum of three encounters per month with the mentee
• Offer oneself as a positive role model for the mentee
• Develop the content and structure of encounter sessions based on the mentee’s age, needs, and family situation