Part 1 of 2
For the past five years, Eagle Grove Elementary has been offering a Lead and Learn mentoring program for students who may be in need of a little one-on-one time with an extra role model in their life. After reading a story about the program in a November 2019 edition of the “Eagle Grove Eagle,” Amy Pederson, an EGHS graduate herself, knew it was something she wanted to be a part of.
“I like to volunteer and give back, plus I love kids, so it seemed like a good fit,” she explained.
Amy had just started the program, attending only two after-school sessions with her new first-grade friend, Nakoda, when COVID struck. Excitement could have quickly turned to disappointment for both Amy and Nakoda, but Amy was determined not to let that happen. After all, Amy, and Nokoda’s mom, Miranda Anderson, are both nurses.
“I didn’t want to stop what I had just started, so I discussed the pros and cons with Nakoda’s mom, and we agreed to proceed with caution,” said Amy.
Miranda is grateful not only for the mentoring program, and Amy, but the fact that Amy was willing to continue meeting with Nakoda through the pandemic.
“I had just left her dad…Nakoda needed to have an escape from the stresses of the divorce,” Miranda said openly.
She added that she also understands personally the importance of having another role model in your life when situations exist. Miranda herself spent time as a mentee in the Big Brother/Big Sister program in Minnesota when she was a child.
“It was very good for me to get away…and I love that my daughter now has that special someone in her life,” Miranda said.
A lot of Amy and Nakoda’s time during COVID has been spent outdoors. According to Amy, they’ve visited practically every park in a 50 mile radius of Eagle Grove. Nakoda’s favorite park, though, is Fishpond Park. They spent many hours there before the cold and snow set in. They have always been sure to also practice COVID recommendations – using good hygiene and wearing masks in public.
“It hasn’t been an issue. Kids just want an opportunity to do something and are willing to adjust,” said Amy.
There were, however, a few weeks they decided to postpone their get-together due to high COVID numbers in our community and/or possible exposures. They were even “super cautious,” having Nakoda quarantine after Amy herself was diagnosed with COVID 19.
“Her mom took the news well. My girls thought Nakoda should move in with us for 10 days and quarantine together,” Amy said light-heartedly, which just goes to show how close Amy and her family have become with this little girl.
This month marks the one-year anniversary of Amy and her little friend being matched up. Nakoda, now a second-grader, has not only enjoyed many adventures with Amy, but has become like a member of the family. They’ve done a variety of things together including a trip to the Blank Park Zoo, The Grotto, the Fort Museum, Urban Air, Build A Bear, and the Apple Orchard. Since they both love the water, they’ve also gone to Dolliver, Snell Crawford Park, and lakes in the area to swim, paddleboard and kayak.
“Honestly, though, Nakoda’s favorite days are when we just hang at my house,” Amy said. “We have projects and make crafts. We attempt to bake (her mentor struggles). We always read at least one book during our time. She likes to hot tub and loves to play. We’ve had several sleep overs and been lucky enough to have snow days land on my scheduled day.”
“Nakoda loves Amy. I’m pretty sure she would move in with her if I would let her,” Miranda joked. “Having Amy in her life is like (me) having a sister who does the ‘aunt thing’ of taking them to do fun stuff. I don’t think they could have given me a better mentor for Nakoda.”
There are many things that Amy enjoys about spending time with Nakoda, including the fact that she’s a girl who likes to wear dresses, but at the same time, likes to get dirty, play with Legos and puzzles, and LOVES dinosaurs.
“Nakoda’s not a girly girl or a Tom-boy…and Amy embraces her individuality…and has allowed her to grow into her own little personality,” Miranda said appreciatively.
“Nakoda is always so happy to see me. Knowing she has a “special person” in her life makes her feel special. The majority of the time we spend is one-on-one which makes it even more meaningful,” stated Amy.
An added bonus – Amy and Miranda have also become friends. Coincidentally, they only live two houses away from each other.
“Really, (Amy’s) more like family than a friend to us,” said Miranda.
Amy has built a bond with Nakoda and her family as well.
“This adventure has been extremely rewarding. Nakoda from early on has become part of our family. We just love her! Not only Nakoda, but her entire family. Her sisters greet me at the door with big smiles and even bigger hugs. Her mom and I have become friends. I’ve even gotten to know her grandma. They are a wonderful family,” sadi Amy. “This experience has also opened my eyes to some of the struggles of a single parent. Miranda is a GREAT mom! She works so hard to give her girls a good life (she has four children). Sometimes we have to witness challenges up close to really appreciate someone else’s story.”
The Lead and Learn mentoring program was brought to Eagle Grove Elementary by Alana Alt, elementary Title 1 and ELL teacher, and now mother of four. Her goal…to simply reach out and make an impact on students’ lives who she and the school guidance counselor, Carrie Niehaus, thought would benefit most from it. The goal is to offer the students an opportunity for more school success…to feel a connection outside the family…to have an extra role model…to build lasting friendships. Amy, Nakoda, and Miranda are proof that the program is not only working, but working its magic in the lives of our community’s youth…and the adults.
“I love that the school reached out to me when I was going through my divorce…and they did it without making me feel like a bad mom. I appreciate everything Amy, and the school, have done for Nakoda,” said Miranda.
Amy hopes sharing her story of being a mentor will encourage others to reach out and join the program.
“DO IT! There are so many children that would benefit from your donation of time. The commitment can be as little as 90 min once a month when we meet as a group at the school. I choose to spend more time, but it’s definitely optional. I’ve never been asked or pushed to give more time than the monthly meeting (which is still temporarily on hold because of COVID),” said Amy. “I look forward to the future and watching Nakoda grow. We are anxious and excited to get past this pandemic, explore new adventures and meet extended family. I am blessed and thankful that Nakoda’s family is willing to share her with me.”
Watch next week’s Eagle as we bring you TC Murphy’s story about how mentoring has had an impact on her life.
If you would like to be a mentor, email Alana Alt at aalt@eagle-grove.k12.ia.us and she will connect you with a mentee! Remember, you don’t have to wait until COVID is over.
