Natasha & Betty
How mentoring has mattered to them
On October 20, 2015 Natasha and Betty Joined TTMP program director for a hike to Nichol's Ledge for an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate their 6 year relationship. Although Natasha and Betty will always be friends, Natasha is 18 and has graduated from the program and the official mentor and mentee relationship. Below are some reflections captured along the hike.
What has having a mentor meant for you?
Natasha: Having a mentor has made me more part of a community than I would have been otherwise. Betty has been someone to tackle things with. She pushed me into situations that I would have not traveled alone.
Betty: Being a mentor also helped me feel more part of the community. I liked being connected to the school and realizing how much Twinfield cares about their kids.
Has anything surprised you about having a mentor?
Natasha: What surprised me about having a mentor was that I had such a great relationship with Betty. I consider myself a very independent person, but I realize I need people too.
What types of things did you enjoy together?
Betty: We enjoyed so many things together. We loved the Island and the reservoir. Natasha is such a fish. She actually saved me [Betty turns to Natasha and says, "I don't even know if you know this"]. I am not that comfortable in the water and we were swimming and I went under and I was feeling overwhelmed and when I came up there was Natasha. Just waiting for me all calm and I felt better.
Natasha: I remember that day, but I didn't know you felt like I saved you.
What has having a mentor meant for you?
Natasha: Having a mentor has made me more part of a community than I would have been otherwise. Betty has been someone to tackle things with. She pushed me into situations that I would have not traveled alone.
Betty: Being a mentor also helped me feel more part of the community. I liked being connected to the school and realizing how much Twinfield cares about their kids.
Has anything surprised you about having a mentor?
Natasha: What surprised me about having a mentor was that I had such a great relationship with Betty. I consider myself a very independent person, but I realize I need people too.
What types of things did you enjoy together?
Betty: We enjoyed so many things together. We loved the Island and the reservoir. Natasha is such a fish. She actually saved me [Betty turns to Natasha and says, "I don't even know if you know this"]. I am not that comfortable in the water and we were swimming and I went under and I was feeling overwhelmed and when I came up there was Natasha. Just waiting for me all calm and I felt better.
Natasha: I remember that day, but I didn't know you felt like I saved you.
It was an honor to be part of this closure and celebration and TTMP would like to thank both Natasha and Betty for their involvement in the program since it first began in 2009.