Claire’s high school graduation was the proudest moment of her life, and her mentor Shardell was there to see it.
Eighteen-year-old Claire loves styling and braiding hair and dreams of opening her own salon one day. Having just finished high school in Trinidad, she now hopes to study hair and beauty at college.
Claire’s high school graduation ceremony was all the most special because there were times when she almost didn’t make it that far. During a turbulent time, especially in the run-up to her final exams, her mentor Shardell was on hand to support her, providing a safe and private space for Claire to voice her thoughts and feelings.
‘Sitting beside her parents, watching her walk across that stage, knowing she was one of the few in her school to graduate was overwhelming in the best way. She was glowing with confidence,’ Shardell recalls. ‘In that moment, I knew our time together had made a real impact. All the conversations, the small wins, all the effort, it was standing up there with her. I was so proud of her that day.’
Seeing the spark
The Me To We mentoring programme, delivered by our partner the Volunteer Center of Trinidad and Tobago, has been generously funded by The Proman Foundation for the last three years. The programme provides weekly mentor sessions for young people at risk of underachieving, supporting them to recognise and reach their potential.
Shardell outlines how she viewed her role as being an encouraging ‘steady presence’ – someone who shows up, listens and helps their mentee to see their own worth.
‘I remember what it was like navigating my teenage years. It would have meant a lot to have someone in my corner, listening without judgment, and encouraging me to see my own potential. Help me see my own spark,’ she explains.
Trust and connection
At first, Claire was reluctant to take part in the programme. Shy and nervous, she thought it might be boring and was unsure about discussing personal matters with a stranger. She remembers feeling ‘kinda shaky’ before her first session.
But as Claire gradually became more comfortable with Shardell, things began to change. Sessions that started out with timid one-word answers became candid and thoughtful exchanges punctuated with lots of laughter. Claire didn’t miss a single session.
‘I enjoyed spending time with my mentor and talking to her because when we have sessions, we go on and on laughing and it is fun,’ Claire explains. ‘I’m a person that had trust issues, so it took me a while to trust her and tell her about myself, but I opened and she made me feel safe around her, so I don’t feel hesitant anymore.’
Confidence and growth
Claire credits the sessions with helping to build her confidence and her willingness to open up and talk. ‘It used to take me a while to warm up to people and now I’m a bit more outspoken and able to interact,’ she explains.
As Claire’s self-esteem has grown, she has also started paying attention to her own wellbeing. Stronger now in both body and mind, she has started to love and appreciate herself more.
Claire completed her final school exams in five subjects, and remembers her high school graduation as the proudest moment of her life. ‘I’m grateful that I made it,’ she says.
Looking ahead, Claire is focused on her goal of opening her own salon one day and now believes in her ability to make it happen.