Middle School Girls Mentoring Groups Build Confidence
“Take up some space here.”A group of 6th to 8th graders stretch their arms high above their heads in the Brighton Academy auditorium, led by a visiting yoga instructor and mentor.
Through a new girl’s group – offered this year at Brighton Academy, Clary, Lincoln, and Syracuse STEM at Blodgett – mentors from the community visit the middle school girls in their respective schools twice a month. There, they focus on monthly themes like mind and body connection – talking with the girls about financial literacy and budgeting, their intentions for the year, how they feel, and more.
Joy Pleasants works full time as a Social Worker for Onondaga County – but also volunteers her time mentoring the Brighton Academy students.
“I love pouring into our community,” Ms. Pleasants shared. “We sometimes forget how difficult this age can be… their voices need to be heard, and they need to know that they matter. They need to know that what they see on social media or what they hear in the community doesn’t always hold true… it’s inside them that matters. We’re here to create a safe space for them, where we can help cultivate relationships and reframe their thoughts in a positive way.”
After completing a morning yoga class – an introduction to the exercise for most – students shared their enthusiasm for the program.
“I wanted to join this girls group because I wanted the opportunity to feel calm and have time to myself,” 8th grader Aisis Frasier said. “My favorite thing about coming here is that there are no off vibes – everyone is cool here and nothing has been boring.”
“I like being here because it helps me open up myself and learn more about other people,” 6th grader Secret Alexander added. “It’s special that our mentors are choosing to use their time to come see us and support us.”
That was Syracuse Common Councilor At-Large Rasheada Caldwell’s goal when she proposed the girls groups earlier this year.
“In many of my roles, I’m involved with making decisions that impact children,” Ms. Caldwell shared. “But when you’re not involved directly with children, it’s hard to make the best decisions for them. So often, people don’t pay attention to our young ladies… but they all want to express themselves and be heard. Our objective is to teach them how amazing they are.”
At Clary Middle School, a group of girls stands in a circle with their mentors. One at a time, they say an affirmation – which is then repeated in unison by the rest of the group.
“Even though I’m young and they look down on me, when I get older, they’re gonna have to look up!” one girl shouts.
“We have to lift each other up, because if we don’t, the world will tear us down,” another said with confidence.
Through their meetings, the girls note they have learned about how to focus on loving yourself, giving back, doing good, being kind, and showing respect.
Linda Betts is a retired probation officer who now serves as a Building Women mentor.
“We never had opportunities like this when we were their age,” she shared. “To see the progress they’ve made since we started meeting with them in October… it’s amazing. These girls are special.”
Each meeting, the mentors and girls come together to express themselves through painting, group discussions, journaling, team building games, and more.
“I’m not good at communicating,” Clary 8th grader Jaliana Robinson explained. “This has been a good opportunity for me to get out of my comfort zone and talk to people. It’s made me more open to my feelings and has opened me up to more ways that I can communicate how I feel. Being with other girls, we have a lot in common.”
“Building Women has helped me become more expressive,” Clary 6th grader E’Mari Williams agreed. “I like when we write in our journals. It’s built my self confidence being here.”
Thank you to Ms. Caldwell and her group of committed mentors for taking the time to lift up and support our young women!
