News

MENTORING PROVIDES INSIGHTS FOR STUDENTS IN GTCC PROGRAM

Contact: ROBurchette@gtcc.edu (Released 7/18/11)

GREENSBORO - When Charles White II entered GTCC a couple years ago, his large stature made him look like a prospect for knocking heads on a football field.  That wasn't White's cup of tea. Instead, the teenager had rather spend his time in the kitchen. Besides, GTCC doesn't have a football team.

"Charles was very shy when I first met him in the college's Minority Male Mentoring program," said GTCC academic advisor Frankie Lane.  Lane and other mentors have turned things around for White, who is in the culinary arts program on the Jamestown campus. Not only have mentors helped White build self-esteem and confidence and set goals for his future, they've "built a fire" in him for helping other students.

"I'm excited about the mentoring program; it encourages students to succeed," White said. He has overcome the shyness and has become one of the main advocates for the GTCC mentoring program known as BROS - Brothers Relating Opportunities for Success. White, 21, of Greensboro now challenges students to make better decisions about their lives and to improve their academic standing.

His enthusiasm for the program and the skills he has developed have led to him working in the financial aid department on the Greensboro campus and also mentoring fellow students. "I'm passionate about helping students succeed," he said.
White is the unofficial student ambassador or poster boy for the program.

''We need more students in the program, and more people to be mentors," White said. The program had about 35 students and 10 mentors from the college staff during the past academic year, Lane said. Mentoring is a college-wide initiative, she said.
"Adrian Wright (a department chair in industrial systems) helped me a lot. He has a very open door for students to talk with him.
"He helped me understand that students come from different backgrounds and it is important for them to learn to speak a universal language," White said.

Wright remembers his first meeting with White, who had "a 'wet rag' handshake with little to no eye contact and I could barely understand anything he said.

"After going through some difficult hurdles in his personal life, it seemed as if he went into a phone booth as a shy and soft-spoken Charles but came out as outgoing and confident Chuck."
Wright added, "When you see him now, he is soaring with confidence and pride, allowing him to be more effective with those around him."

"This is a very necessary program; it's a place to self explore; and to find guidance and inspiration," White said.
The mentoring program is where "the student tries to become a better person, and better utilize his opportunities," White said.
Ron Grainger, a former department chair who no longer works at GTCC, was White's first mentor. "He influenced me about several things but especially about my work ethic, and to think ahead about things," White said.

Grainger said, "Mentoring is extremely important to students who don't have guidance during the community development process. It is particularly important when the students' parents didn't go to college and they need someone to make them aware of what to expect. Mentors can explain to them that education is available to them, and the importance of that education." 
    Many students go to college and "don't know the worlds that are available to them (through education), Grainger said. "Many know only their own neighbors," he said. .During the two years he was a mentor, Grainger said, "I discussed with them about taking wrong directions in life. I used myself as an example. I hope and pray they take the advice," he said. 

"Students come here with fear; they don't know what lies ahead of them," Lane said. The mentoring program helps remove that fear as students get advice and encouragement, she said.
Those involved in the GTCC mentoring program meet once a month, and discuss in group settings topics such as "understanding ourselves," "career exploration" and "goal setting," Lane said. They also have guest speakers.
Goals of the mentoring program at GTCC are in sync with those of other community colleges in the state, Lane said:
•    Provide an open forum for minority males to discuss issues and concerns with professionals and mentors.
•    Promote goal-setting and positive choices for decision making.
•    Improve the retention and graduation rates of minority males.
•    Enhance communication skills, self-discipline, motivation and self-concept.
•    Develop job-seeking skills and promote workforce preparedness.
•    Provide practical knowledge of budgeting, investments, savings and financial planning.  
Jacqueline Pettiford, dean of student support services, was the leader among several faculty and staff members, in getting the current program going. A $25,000 grant from the N.C. Community College System financed the program this past year. GTCC started mentoring in 2003, and Lane sees the program as helpful to all students involved. It has been only in recent years that the program has targeted minority males.
"It's something for everyone. We want all kinds of people," White said.

White wants to inspire more students: "The only thing that can come between you and your future is you," he said.

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