Cheers to Kristi Gilbert and Julie Gonzalez along with their husbands Doug and Don for being some of the most amazing people. I am truly honored to have met them!

I have known Julie since my freshman year of high school when she reached out to my family and I wanting to be my sponsor for my private education. She has been nothing but supportive the whole way through and I am so lucky to have her on my side.

I have known Kristi since my junior year of high school when I attended a program my high school offered for women known as CREW. I signed up for mentor-ship and when I went around talking to people she was one of the few people I encountered. She remembered my face and name and ever since then she has helped me every step of the way.

1. You can meet new people! 

Alison Shelton

Your mentor helps you with everything you need. However, sometimes they cannot quite offer you the help you need but they always know someone who can. This will lead you to build a bigger network of people and possibly to make new friends. Your mentor will definitely always lead you to new avenues to meet even more amazing people like them.

My mentor Kristi, in the middle, is one of the sweetest people you will ever meet. You are truly privileged if you ever come in contact with her. She is truly a fun and bright spirit to be around!

2. You'll get the best advice!

Kristi Gilbert

Your mentor is a phenomenal person to get advice from. They will provide you with their knowledge and their views of the world. They will always have a little more experience with the world. Also, they aren't your parent or anything of the sort so sometimes they can even be there to provide extra support with things you have yet to tell your parents.

Julie is always right by my side checking in on me and making sure I know she is here. She has helped me understand the world around me and how to make it my own.

3. They can write you recommendation letters!

Whether it be college or a job or anything else that requires one, a recommendation letter is always needed. However, your mentor knows you in all aspects of life so they can provide a more concise letter detailing your family life, your school life, social atmosphere, and your personality.

Kristi did not hesitate even a second when I asked her to write a letter of recommendation for me and it was absolutely beautiful. She brought out aspects of me in the card that I did not know I even possessed. Oh and that reminds me, your mentor will show you things about yourself you didn't even know.

4. They'll support you.

Michael Khoury

You will definitely always feel the support of your mentor. They will always check in on you and make sure you are okay. They want the absolute best for you and will always make sure to be there for you. Whenever and whatever you may need them for, your mentor will always be there.

Julie has made sure to emphasize this point. She will send birthday cards or Christmas cards whenever the time comes to let me know she is always thinking of me. I am truly blessed to have her in my life. She may not always have the ability to be by my side but I know I am always in her heart.

5. You'll grow.

Maria Cervantes

Your mentor will inevitably allow you to explore your personal growth. They will take you to places you had never been and ask you questions you never would have asked yourself. They see you differently than your family and friends around you. They are there to help guide you on your journey and by doing that you will learn new things about you and the world. Like I said earlier, your mentor will truly show you sides of yourself that you did not know existed or even mattered.

Both of my mentors have done a phenomenal job at supporting me and helping me grow and for that I am so grateful.

So to Kristi Gilbert and Julie Gonzalez, I say thank you. You guys have truly been blessings in my life as I have gone from high school to college.