Sometimes the gifts we offer begin with making someone feel comfortable enough to be themselves. For sophomore Jane Armstrong and her mentor, college counselor Whitney Matter, that began before the first day of school, with a question about what to wear.
Coming from a school with uniforms, Jane wasn’t sure what to wear to University. At the Welcome Back Celebration, her new mentor, college counselor Whitney Matter, was ready to help with outfits or anything else. “Please text me with any questions,” Whitney told her. “I’ve answered it all.” Jane took her up on it, sharing ideas for potential first-day outfits. Whitney was delighted: an invitation to reach out is one thing; a student trusting you enough to do it is another.
It was a small exchange that established something important: Whitney meant it when she said Jane could come to her.
Since then, their conversations have covered theater, basketball, scouting, and how to balance those interests alongside academics. Whitney helps Jane think through decisions and communicate what she needs, while encouraging her to try things outside her comfort zone.
“Coming into University, I knew I was going to have an opportunity to step more into myself,” Jane says. “Whitney has helped me push myself out of my comfort zone. I always feel better after mentoring.”
Whitney has enjoyed discovering Jane’s many sides: a dedicated performer, a dependable friend, and a fierce competitor who surprised older athletes in a pep assembly challenge.
For Whitney, Jane’s willingness to share her life is a gift in itself. Their conversations go beyond assignments and schedules to what matters most to Jane and all the things that make her who she is.
“Jane has helped show me what mentoring can be,” Whitney says. “I get a front-row seat to her growth.”
For Jane, what matters most is knowing she has someone she can turn to. “Mentoring is a gift. It’s a completely different experience to go through school with someone who knows you really well, someone you can go to with any question, and who knows just how to help.”
Mentors and mentees meet for 30–45 minutes at least every other week, with informal check-ins along the way. Your support of the U Fund helps make that dedicated time possible, giving mentors space to listen, celebrate successes, and know the whole student.
It also sustains J-Term, no-cut sports, and four-year college counseling, helping students discover their strengths and share them with others.
Please give today to help students discover who they can become and feel confident sharing the gifts they have to offer.
