Letter: At-risk students need volunteer mentors

Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2007 | 7:17 a.m.

I see a real need in our schools for volunteers to act as friends, supporters and advisers to students at risk. I am a volunteer doing this in our schools now, but there are more youngsters than ever who need understanding adults as their mentors.

In nonjudgmental ways we sit and talk about any subject the student would like to talk about. We work on projects that are interesting and fun to do together. Even schoolwork help can be provided if the adult is comfortable doing that.

Reading is an important part of education and a good reader is generally a successful student. Just reading books together can bring a wealth of benefits to a young person who is struggling with reading , and it builds confidence.

Understanding the student's problems is what most of us can do easily because of our experience in life. A friend, an adviser, a helper in life is not always something that needy students can find at home or in school. Some really great kids just need someone to relate to who is a friend and not a controlling or authoritative figure.

In today's world, being an introvert or a recluse can hold you back from being a successful part of our society. Encouragement and reinforcing the good things about these students can help put them on the right track in life. Why not help?

Richard Williams, Las Vegas