Volunteer Recognition

Our programs would not be successful without the tremendous dedication of our volunteers. Whether at our annual Volunteer Appreciation Night, being recognized as a Mentor of the Month, or getting a simple word of encouragement, we strive to acknowledge all the hard work our mentors put into making our program great. 

Mentor of the Month

Megan Brew- June 2019
Megan and Maria were matched in February 2018! Since the beginning of their relationship, Maria’s main goal has been establishing focus and commitment in school. From providing a listening ear to celebrating Maria’s accomplishments with her favorite foods and activities, Megan has been a supportive force along the way! In May, Maria triumphantly showed Megan her Honor Roll grades! Megan has grown from her relationship with Maria. As a self-proclaimed naturally chatty person, Megan found it difficult at the start of their relationship to not fill the silence with questions. But, as she’s gotten to know Maria, Megan has learned to provide silence in order to leave space for Maria to open up and share the things important to her. As they’ve grown closer, Megan and Maria have taken on new experiences - from attending Peer Groups to exploring the D.C. area - and have been having a blast doing so! As they approach a year and a half, Megan and Maria are looking forward to continuing to grow together!

1. What’s your fondest memory from spending time with your mentee?
Maria has been working on her focus and commitment in school since we were matched 1.5 years ago. In May, she triumphantly showed me her Honor roll grades. I was so proud of her hard work (we made sure to celebrate with a hibachi dinner).

2. What has been your favorite Peer Group?
Team Extreme went to Great Waves waterpark in Alexandria this month. At first, Maria was skeptical this event would be for little kids, but when we got there she ran into a friend and her mentor. We spent the day laughing and hopping from water slide to wave pool. 

3. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced since becoming your mentee’s mentor?
Initially, my biggest challenge was providing silence in our relationship. I’m naturally chatty and really wanted Maria to like me, so I asked her a million questions to fill the pauses. When I started leaving space for silence, she started opening up more and sharing stories she found important.

4. Can you explain your job and something you enjoy about your work?
I’m on the campus recruiting team at Capital One. I could gush about my job forever, but I’ll keep it brief: I work with the most authentic, creative and caring people on a team that guides students and graduates through the first meaningful step in their careers. If you’re reading this and want to learn more about Capital One, please reach out to me on LinkedIn! 

5. What do you like to do in your free time, and what's your favorite food?
I love reading, going to the pool and sending notes via snail mail. I’m also involved in my church, Georgetown Presbyterian. I have a huge sweet tooth so I have to say cupcakes. I’m a big fan of Baked & Wired (sorry Georgetown Cupcake supporters)!

Current Mentor of the Month

Picture
Megan Brew- June 2019

Past Mentors of the Month

Volunteer Appreciation Night

Every January, BEST Kids hosts a mentor recognition event. Mentors are presented with awards and honored for their service in the program from the past year by receiving a BESTie Award. Scroll through the photos of the most previous Volunteer Appreciation Night, celebrating all the great things that happened in 2018!