Caroline and Alisha

Getting Involved

Caroline found out about iMentor through an email from DailyCandy.com, an electronic newsletter that alerts New Yorkers to fashion and cultural trends, as well as innovative service opportunities.   Caroline was inspired by iMentor’s vision and immediately signed up to become a mentor.  After being screened and trained, Caroline was matched with Alisha because of their mutual interest in acting and dance.  Caroline explains why she sought a four-year match: “I wanted to connect to something.  As actors, it is often difficult to sustain relationships.  We work on shows for 6 weeks or 6 months, then lose touch with the cast and crew.  That rhythm and routine wouldn’t work for me as a volunteer.  I wanted to build a long-term relationship with my mentee.”  Caroline was also excited by iMentor’s focus on academic achievement.  She believes that “college is so important, especially in the arts.  I’ve had friends who are successful performers but never finished college.  They could have had so many more opportunities with college degrees.”

Beginning a Four-Year Match

Alisha was initially nervous about meeting her mentor and building a relationship that would last for four years.  She had never heard of mentoring before getting involved with the program and did not understand how a mentor could make a difference in her life.  She recalls “At first, I didn’t take iMentor seriously.”  Bridgette, an iMentor Program Coordinator, encouraged Alisha to think about her mentor as a valuable resource.  As Caroline and Alisha began exchanging emails and meeting in person, they began to connect.  Caroline was outgoing and friendly, taking Alisha’s ideas seriously and encouraging her to open up.  Bridgette helped the pair facilitate phone calls and in-person meetings.  Now Alisha says “It feels good to have a mentor.  I don’t have older siblings and she fills that spot.”

Building a Bond

Although Alisha is only 14 years old, she enjoys speaking with Caroline about her goals for the future.  Alisha sees college as a vital step in fulfilling her goals of traveling the world.  Alisha observes: “I need to learn to communicate in other languages and adapt to other places.”  While Alisha’s parents are supportive of her goals, she is the first person in her family to pursue a college education.  Caroline has provided crucial support in this area.

Alisha does not yet know where she wants to attend college, but she is interested in a school with strong theater, dance, music and art programs.  Alisha and Caroline recently attended an iMentor event at New York University, and Alisha liked the school very much.  In the weeks after the visit, Caroline and Alisha began discussing the steps required to attend a school like NYU.   “Caroline helped me realize what it would take to make it happen,” says Alisha.  “I need to get good grades and internships to help me get there.”  Caroline and Alisha have also discussed financing college.  “Alisha wants to live in an apartment in college,” adds Caroline.  “We have talked about going for scholarships and saving money while she is still in high schoolso that she can meet her goals.”  To fulfill this goal, Caroline has helped Alisha research and apply for summer job placement programs through her school and iMentor.  

As artists, Caroline and Alisha have formed a special bond.  This spring, Alisha had a starring role in her school’s production of the Broadway musical Wicked.   Alisha was nervous about taking on a lead role for the first time.  Caroline and Alisha discussed strategies for preparing lines and dealing with stage fright.  Caroline looks forward to supporting her mentee by watching the performance from the front row.  In addition to providing Alisha with support, Caroline has shown her mentee that a career in the arts is possible with hard work, dedication and perseverance.  Alisha describes how it feels to have a mentor who has achieved success as a performer:  “It’s amazing to turn on the TV and see Caroline on Everybody Hates Chris or other shows!  I feel happy knowing that she is my mentor.  It lets me believe that one day I could do that too—one day I could be a star.  It makes my dreams real.”

Why iMentor Works

As an actress working all over the United States, Caroline has a particularly hectic schedule.  She flies from New York to Los Angeles and Atlanta frequently for auditions and performances.  When she is involved with projects in New York, her schedule is erratic and she often works unusual hours.   iMentor’s flexible structure has made it possible to build a relationship with Alisha, regardless of her schedule.  “I email from Atlanta and LA,” she explains.  “The prompts are a great way to get to know each other.  No one asked me what I thought of serious topics like backpack searches and my ideal world in high school.  These topics help us learn about each other’s experiences and points of view.”  Alisha particularly enjoys attending events organized by iMentor.  She says “the events make our communication stronger and more interesting.”   

Setting Goals

Caroline and Alisha look forward to building their relationship over the next three years and beyond.  Alisha hopes to continue the conversation about college as she narrows down her choice of a school and major.  She also views Caroline as a valuable career resource.  “I see her helping me with jobs and getting me contacts.  She has a big network and could be a big help with my future.”  Caroline wants to help Alisha set college and career goals and learn to build a network of her own.  She says: “The reality is that a career in performing is really hard. Alisha has such a creative mind—it is fascinating to see it work.  I want to help her figure out what she wants to do and what she needs to do to make it happen.”