Episode #16
From Hesitation to Connection: Mentoring at a School in Troy | Beth Peters
Many active adults and recent retirees reach a phase where daily routines leave an underlying lack of purpose or genuine connection. When local resident Beth Peters decided to explore volunteer mentoring at the Cooperative Learning Center, she was initially unsure if she had what it took to build trust with high school students navigating challenging personal circumstances. Through simple, consistent presence—whether sharing math triumphs, playing instruments during music class, or setting up tabletop bowling—Beth discovered that teenagers do not need expert skills or rigid agendas; they simply need a reliable adult who shows up and listens. Stepping into youth mentoring transformed Beth’s weekly routine into an ongoing source of personal energy and fulfillment. By offering one hour a week, she actively supports local youth in childhood trauma recovery and self-worth development while gaining a renewed sense of connection to her community. For anyone seeking deeper meaning through service, Beth’s experience proves that showing up for a young person creates a profound, life-changing impact for both the student and the mentor. Fill out this no-commitment form: https://www.mentoringpartnership.org/schools Episode Timestamps & Chapter Markers 0:00 The Unexpected Gift of Mentoring1:25 Welcome to the MPMC Podcast2:03 Introducing Beth Peters3:00 Connecting with the Cooperative Learning Center6:56 Music, Games, and Building Trust9:38 Supporting Allison: Math Milestones and Bowling14:50 Overcoming Initial Hesitation16:25 Insights from CLC Director Lisa Hyde22:00 Leveraging Personal Interests to Connect26:39 How One Friend's Invitation Changed Everything34:37 Beth's Message to Future Local Volunteers
