Meet one of the Youth Mentoring Collaborative's youth Board Members, Vivianna Strong. Follow along with this interview between Vivianna and Hannah McKinney, Manager of Communications & Storytelling.
The Interview
Q. How did you first learn about the Youth Mentoring Collaborative (YMC)? (HM)
A. "I was involved with Beyond Expectations which led me to My Brother's and Sister's Keeper's Summer Justice Academy. My group won the grant for building our own program. I took the Summer Justice Academy again two summers later during the COVID-19 pandemic. Later on, I was approached to join the Mentor NC BOD as the first youth board member." (VS)
Q. What is your "mentoring story"? (HM)
A. "I know that mentoring is a huge part of many young adults in life. I haven't had, like, a designated mentor, but I have had a number of people act like a mentor in different parts of my life. I think they helped me pursue and accomplish many goals I had." (VS)
Q. Why do you think this work is important? (HM)
A. "Sometimes specific children need someone there while others just need the assistance of what a mentor can do. I think it is critical for young people to have access to someone who can help them in all different aspects of life." (VS)
Q. Which of YMC's values do you feel most personally aligned with? (HM)
A. "I think that relationships are a huge part of being in a community and just life in general. I would say that because of relationships, I have gotten to where I am, and they are sometimes the things that keep me going. Connections with people are what can turn someone's day good or bad." (VS)
Q. What about the future of YMC are you most excited about? (HM)
A. "I am excited to see where we will be in the future and how we will incorporate youth more throughout the next few years." (VS)
Q. What is your specialty as a Board Member? (HM)
A. "I would say being open-minded." (VS)
Q. Share a fun story about YMC! (HM)
A. "I think just getting to know everyone in the beginning can be fun. Learning about people's values and goals can be really informative and really fun too." (VS)
Q. Share a fun fact about yourself! (HM)
A. "I was in my school's band for seven years and choir for four years."
This concludes the interview. To learn more about Vivianna Strong and the rest of the team, visit Our Team.