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 After nearly two years together, Department of Justice Auditor Darlene Richardson and Bowen Elementary fifth grader Tonia Washington have developed a strong bond. The pair shared their thoughts on mentoring with the Everybody Wins! DC Gazette.
Q: How has mentoring with Power Lunch affected your life? Darlene: It has shown me how one hour a week of my time can impact a child’s life for a lifetime. Q: What do you like about being in the Everybody Wins! program? Tonia: I really like to read, and Everybody Wins! lets me do that with a great mentor. Q: What kind of changes have you noticed with your mentee over the years? Darlene: I’ve noticed that she has developed more confidence in her ability to read. Q: What kind of changes have you noticed with your mentee over the years? Darlene: I’ve noticed that she has developed more confidence in her ability to read. Q: What would you tell your friends about being a part of Everybody Wins!? Tonia: I would tell my friends that it is fun to be in Everybody Wins!. Q: Do you feel you have made an impact on Tonia’s reading ability and interest in learning and being successful? Darlene: Yes, I think Tonia is beginning to develop confidence in her abilities and her interest in learning. She plans to go on to college, and she has hopes and dreams for a bright future. I will continue to encourage Tonia to set positive goals in life and to always look at the possibilities. Q: What do you hope Tonia will get out of the relationship you have built with her? Darlene: I hope Tonia will remember that she is beautiful on the inside and the outside. She should always strive to do her very best. And once she has achieved her successes in life, I hope that she will reach back and help someone just like herself. Q: What would you say to anyone who is still deciding about becoming a mentor? Darlene: I would tell them that the benefits of mentoring, giving back, and helping someone is priceless. The Power Lunch program gives you the ability to positively impact a child’s life for the rest of their lives. Q: How would you like Tonia to remember you as she continues to develop as a student and goes on in life? Darlene: I would like Tonia to remember me as a friend, someone who truly cares about her and her future. I want Tonia to always set goals, believe in herself, and remember whatever she puts her mind to and work at with all her heart she can and will achieve Q: What is your goal here at Everybody Wins!? Tonia: I want to read over 50 books.
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