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GUEST COMMENTARY: STAR program benefits youth, adults
For the past year and a half, I have had the privilege of working with an up and coming group in Corsicana. STAR or Success Through Active Role Modeling, was created by a group of Navarro County businessmen with the intent to recruit and train role models to support local secondary students.
I was a part of the formation of the group, and continue as a role model for a Corsicana High School student.
Role models are partnered with students based on their talents, aptitude, and interest areas, and are provided training before working with teenagers.
Role models are not tutors, but men and women who can provide a student positive, factual, and demonstrated experience in an area of the student’s aptitude, interest, or both that the student, with parental consent and counsel, wishes to pursue.
But they do so much more than that. My personal experience as a role model has been more fulfilling than I could have imagined. Just by giving a little bit of my time, support and encouragement to a high school student, I have made a lifelong friend and had a far greater impact than I ever thought possible.
I was partnered with a freshman girl last year in the CHS AVID program. AVID is geared toward students who academically fall in the middle, but are falling short of their academic potential. The program attracts B, C, and even D students and puts them on the college track. It has a proven track record in bringing out the best in students, and in closing the achievement gap.
Just listening, going for a scoop of ice cream, or encouraging her to take that extra AP course or participate in an activity, didn’t seem hard to me. Nor did I feel like it was that big of a deal.
I didn’t realize the impact I was having until I received a note that made me cry. She thanked me just for being there, listening, and helping her, and told me she loved me like a big sister. I look forward to our phone calls and weekly visits. And I am happy to know she trusts me to call me if she is having a hard day or needs someone to talk to.
It was simple to do, giving a bit of my time. But it has made all the difference to one student. I made a commitment to be her role model for four years, until I see her walk across the stage at her high school graduation, but I know we will be tied together much longer than that.
And I cannot wait to see the amazing adult she will become.
I challenge local citizens of Corsicana to give back by volunteering as a role model and give a little bit of their time to a student. Giving of yourself today may help a student become a better person tomorrow. And the rewards you reap are immeasurable.
If you would like to know more about STAR, you can visit their Web site, www.starnc.org or contact the Chamber of Commerce at (903) 874-4731.
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Kristin Zastoupil is a STAR volunteer.
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