The Meaning of Mentorship
When I first moved to Dallas in the fall of 2020, serving the refugee community in my new city was not on my radar. While I had participated in different service activities throughout my time in high school and college, I never had the opportunity to serve refugees before. I was also utterly oblivious to the fact that I lived right down the street from Vickery Meadows, a large refugee community in Dallas. God, in His sovereignty, introduced me to Refugee Resources in the spring of 2021 through a friend who asked if I would be interested in filling in as a mentor for a few weeks. What started as a substitute position quickly turned into a permanent role, and I’ve now been serving on Thursday nights for over three years!
The first time I walked into Reading Circle, I do not think I really understood what I had signed up for. I knew I would be helping develop refugee students’ literacy skills through reading and vocabulary, but I didn’t give much thought to the relationships that would be formed. Over time though, I have seen how impactful the relationships between students and mentors can be. As a mentor, I have the opportunity to grow relationally with students each week through simple things, like sharing about our weeks and reading the Bible together. Some of the most fruitful moments I’ve experienced through Reading Circle have come from the relationships built over time.
The most significant relationship I have formed in Reading Circle has been with my mentee, Par*. When I first met Par, I was told she was a shy second grader who needed some encouragement to come out of her shell, but she quickly proved to be the opposite! Over the years, Par and I have made many fun memories together, from going to the Perot Museum and the Arboretum, to a Fourth of July parade. We’ve also experienced big life changes together. Last year, I watched her navigate a new school and make new friends, while she watched me get married and navigate life as a newlywed. It was awesome to encourage one another through new seasons of life and see how the Lord provided during that time.
Reflecting on my time serving with Refugee Resources, I realize how much this experience has shaped my relationship with Christ. Although the kids are the ones who come to Reading Circle to learn each week, I have also learned and grown in my faith over the years. I’ve gained a new perspective on Jesus’ love for us as I learn how to listen intently, how to meet others in their needs, and how to embrace others despite their differences. I am so thankful for the ministry Refugee Resources is dedicated to being in this community and how the love of Christ is able to be displayed to others through this organization.
Written by: Claire Roca
Edited by: Emily Thompson
*Student's name has been changed to protect privacy.