Mentoring Matters

TEAMMATES OF LINCOLN

Rob McEntarffer celebrates his mentee, Alex, a 2024 graduate.

Rob McEntarffer began mentoring because he missed working with young people, something he’d enjoyed throughout his career. Alex, a seventh-grader who loved video games, became his mentee. Though Rob admits he was never a good competitor for Alex, he began a journey of learning how video games are about much more than the game itself.

“I told my mentee that he was a scholar of video games!” said Rob. Alex’s interest in and passion for video games helped Rob build a bridge, and they embarked on a core part of the TeamMates Mentoring model called strengths spotting.

“We practiced talking and writing about video games, and I think that helped him feel like he could become an expert in just about anything he really wants to figure out.”

For his part, Alex dug in and learned everything he could and figured out how to communicate complex details about video games to other people. Rob never imagined he would think of the world of video games as “an art form" until someone explained the complexity of that world to him.

Of course, he gained more than a knowledge of video games. He was reminded how much humans need relationships. “I knew that already, but seeing the power of a mentor/mentee relationship in one person's life made that fact much more real.”

“I was very proud of him at graduation, but now I'm excited to hear about his next steps in life!”

Vann Price knows her mentee, Brooklynn, "has what it takes"

Vann Price remembers her first meeting with her mentee Brooklynn, a stellar student. “She was wearing pink – her favorite color and mine – so we connected right away. She showed me her locker and all of her gadgets. It was like an apartment.” It’s a pleasant memory Brooklynn fondly shares, laughing with Vann about their initial connection.

When Brooklynn moved to a new school, Vann watched closely.

“I don’t ever want anybody to dull her sparkle," said Vann.

"At her old school, you could hear Brooklynn coming down the hall... now, she’s blossomed in a different kind of way. She’s holding her own.”

For Vann, the biggest surprise in Brooklynn’s growth has been the extent of her drive. “I think about when I was an eighth grader and wonder ‘was I that driven?’ She knows what she wants,” said Vann. Brooklynn is clear-eyed about her mentor, describing her as ‘future and classy.’ “Because that’s who I want to be like when I’m older, and because she is a pretty woman who does all her stuff right,” she said.

Brooklynn’s future will no doubt include acting, music, and writing, all passions for her. That’s why they’ve been talking about the arts and humanities program, and Vann knows she has what it takes. At the same time, Vann wants Brooklynn to know that she doesn’t always have to push herself. “She knows where she wants to be. I’m trying to get her to realize that sometimes it’s okay just to hang out on the couch and be average.”

Vann and Brooklynn’s relationship is a great example of how mentors and mentees can connect. The glow of their connection certainly lingers for Brooklynn. “It’s still exciting every time she comes.”

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Right now, a young person is navigating with one less caring adult than they need. To apply to be a TeamMate, call 402-436-1990 or visit lincolnteammates.org to learn more.