One of the most significant features of the 2010 version of Creating a Usable Past has been the development of a peer mentor's program. Our inaugural tour saw nine young people experience civil rights history up close. This year, two of those students, Beau DeVaul and Fredo Davis, have joined the program again. Like our new students, they have met in the large group setting since April 15, but the bar for them is set a little higher. They have the opportunity to enhance their base of knowledge, but they are also expected to provide insight and encouragement to the new initiates.
Beau DeVaul provides some perspective on his experience as a first-time peer mentor:
It is a bit of a strange feeling watching others prosper in the knowledge of the Civil Rights Movement, as I was a new-comer last year and know something about what they are going through. At the same time there is a sense of joy, because I can watch others learn about very important history. I am excited to see all of what the new students learn, and the reactions they have to what they learn. I hope that they can take what they learn from this trip and apply it to their lives back home.
It is a bit of a strange feeling watching others prosper in the knowledge of the Civil Rights Movement, as I was a new-comer last year and know something about what they are going through. At the same time there is a sense of joy, because I can watch others learn about very important history. I am excited to see all of what the new students learn, and the reactions they have to what they learn. I hope that they can take what they learn from this trip and apply it to their lives back home.
Beau, to whom much is given, much is expected. Thanks for giving back.
ReplyDeletefrom Fredo Davis [our other peer mentor]
ReplyDeleteAt the beginning of this trip I met 10 strangers. With my friend Beau (along with Mr. Mike), we were asked to guide them through our shared past and show them that everything we have didn't come so easily . . . . I think we grow closer every time we learn something that we didn't know about our past.