A few weeks ago I signed up to be a mentor to a high school student from Chicago Tech Academy. The purpose of the year-long program is to connect high school juniors and seniors with professionals who can guide them on their paths to college or careers.
Today I met my girl and we totally hit it off. The program leaders provided us with some "get to know you" questions, including "If you could live anywhere, where would you want to live?", "If you could have any one super power, what would it be and why?" and "If you had to lose one arm or one leg, which would you choose?"
Conversation flowed naturally and we found we have a lot in common. We both like blue and green. We would both move to California. We're interested in writing and acting and are terrible at math. And we know all the words to the "Just keep swimming" song Dorie sings in Finding Nemo.
The highlight for me was when we left school and were walking toward the bus stop. She told me how she joined the after-school robotics club because they have the best snacks. We joked around about how one day she'd win the Noble Prize and when people asked her how she got interested in engineering, she'd say, "Little Debbie honey buns."
I was really worried I'd get a dud of a kid, like just not interested in me or any advice I might give. But she was so lively, confident, and interesting. I really hit the jackpot.
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