Notable Pairs 2020-2021 School Year
2021 Mentor & Mentee of the Year
Alice (HS for Language and Diplomacy) and Sophie (Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton)
Sophie and Alice
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton / The High School for Language & Diplomacy
When Sophie and Alice first met, they decided to meet at a café. Sophie remembered Alice’s interest in getting better at painting and brought along art supplies so they could sketch at the café while learning more about each other. Bonding through art, the pair talked about their likes, dislikes, high school life, Sophie’s job, current political issues, and Alice’s plans for college. Both relatively new to New York City, the pair shared their journeys and the different environments they left behind. It was not long before Alice began to look up to Sophie, admiring her independence and ability to take on challenges in order to reach her goals.
During one of Cleary’s trivia events, it became clear to Alice that she and Sophie had a good sense of teamwork and ability to adapt to varying surroundings. While Alice thought of herself as reserved and closed off, she discovered she was capable of actively speaking and listening to others. Reflecting on the power of mentoring, the idea that the pair wouldn’t have ever met if they didn’t participate in Cleary’s Mentoring Program is completely astonishing to Alice.
“I wouldn’t have met someone as inspiring as Sophie. Overall, being Sophie’s mentee brought me a lot of insight into life, and I’m extremely grateful for that. ”
For Sophie, the instant she met Alice at the program kickoff she knew she was lucky to have Alice as her mentee and quickly learned the value of making connections with someone in a different stage of life.
“It has been immensely rewarding for me to leave behind work and my own looming future plans, and instead discuss college applications and AP tests.”
Treasuring the connection they’ve built, the pair will continue to stay connected beyond the end date of the program.
We are pleased to announce Sophie and Alice as the 2021 Mentor & Mentee of the Year!
Honorable Mention for the 2021 Mentor & Mentee of the Year
Yenely (High School for Careers in Sports) and Lauren (AEA Investors)
Lauren and Yenely
AEA Investors / High School for Careers in Sports
From the moment this pair was matched, Lauren and Yenely met in person regularly until March 2020 when the CV19 pandemic disrupted everyone’s routines. Having developed a solid bond, the pair has remained consistent throughout via remote means. Lauren helped Yenely start positive habits like making a ‘to-do’ list to set goals on what she needs to accomplish each day. Lauren has been a great resource for questions about college as well, making the college process less stressful.
“Lauren has helped me edit more than ten college prompts, giving me valuable insights and suggestions ... [She] always encourages me, and rejoices whenever I tell her that I completed an application or got accepted into a college.”
Inspired by her ability to balance a busy job while staying healthy, always making time for others, and looking at the brighter side of things, Lauren quickly became a role model to Yenely. As a result, Yenely has become more confident in herself and her drive to succeed.
For Lauren, becoming a mentor has given her an incredible perspective on life by watching Yenely never failing to take on challenges with a sense of positive perseverance.
“This program has fostered one of my most treasured relationships, and one that I know will endure long after Yenely graduates from high school.”
We are pleased to announce Lauren and Yenely as an Honorable Mention Pair for the 2021 Mentor & Mentee of the Year!