Desiree Medina, was not happy when she was put in the YESS mentoring program by her dad, Daniel Medina during her freshman year in 2008. Even though she felt like a punishment, she went to the sessions in order to improve her grades so that she could be eligible to play soft ball. Even if it was her love to play, that drove her to the session, she got so much out of the program. The reason she was initially struggling with classes was because of her inability to organize time and focus. Through the YESS mentoring program she learned these skills and gained more clarity in her life. Because of YESS, she was empowered to look at herself beyond just a day and was able to think about what she wanted to do in her life. She wants to serve the community as a Nurse. She has already got her Certified Nursing Aide license and plans on going to nursing school in Colorado. YESS peer mentoring has given her so much and she wanted to give back as well. Thus, her junior year, she joined the program as a mentor and this year she is serving as a lead peer mentor. Desiree Medina feels that YESS mentoring is a part of her life, as she has devoted all 4 years of her high school to the program, 2 years as a mentee and 2 years as a mentor. She says, “There was someone who helped me out when I was in need, and now I want to be there for someone just like my mentor was there for me. Mentees, initially the tutoring and all might not seem as fun, but do not worry, YESS brings the fun to the program while helping you simultaneously. So just give it a shot, I am sure you will love it”
Caption: Lincoln students (Desiree Medina in middle) enjoying warm beverages during ice skating field trip.
