The following letters were written to students
during the Fall 2008
Bridges Mentor Training Session:


Dear Mentee,
I once was in your shoes, not knowing what to do or where to start. But you quickly realize that if you want something to happen, you sometimes have to be your own leader. This will not only help you but others too. Remember people around you are always watching and some will follow your own steps. Knowing people follow you makes you push yourself and achieve things you never thought you could. I encourage you to be that change and take that step forward. This will have a rewarding end not only to you but those who you influence.
Your Mentor,
Haydee

Dear Mentee,
I think it's important for me to advise you to become a leader. As you have learned many things this year it is now time for you to build on your leadership skills. Being a leader starts by setting the example, being your leader this year has helped me. I think it's important for you to understand that being a leader is also fun and exciting. It will teach you about yourself; it will help you in networking abilities, build confidences and self-esteem. When I first stared out as a leader I was shy and scared but now that I have grown accustomed to it; I am better in sharing my ideas, public speaking and relating to others. Being a leader is not about being “the boss” but being the inspiration to do better. Don't be afraid to lead.
Your Mentor,
Gabriel

Dear Mentee,
I am writing to you with the sole purpose of letting you know that you got what it takes to be a great leader. Despite the situation you may be in at the moment, your experiences and talents, whatever they may be, will help you become a leader in your area of interest. You were born for a purpose in life and by taking initiative on things you will discover your true passion and purpose for your life. It will not be an easy task and expect many obstacles and failures. But pick your self up no matter what and keep going. These problems will help you become stronger and you will learn from them. In the end, it will all be worth it at the end and you will not regret your experiences and accomplishments. Remember “it is better to die for something than live for nothing.” I wish you the best of luck and remember that you will come across a point when you will rely on others for help so use it.
Your Mentor,
Hugo

Dear Mentee,
Being a leader is something everyone should aspire for. I think that you have the capability and qualities to become a great leader. You should be a leader because leaders are respected more and as a leader you become role models for others. Being a leader may take a lot of responsibility but that is what will help you succeed in life. Aspire to be the one that gets followed and not one who follows because that is what makes you great and more importantly that what makes a difference, the difference is you.
Your Mentor,
Vidal

Dear Mentee,
It is important to be a leader because you need to learn how to lead yourself. If you don't develop these skills, you may give others the opportunity to do that for you. There are plenty of people out there that are willing to take control of your life, and not all of them want to take your life to a positive place. When you lead yourself, you have the strength to discover and achieve your goals based on your own values and beliefs. You then can become a positive leader for others. One that does not control - but encourages and does not look out for his or herself, but for the greater good.
Your Mentor,
Chanelle

Dear Mentee,
It is important that you become a great leader in life. There are many challenges that one faces throughout life, which is why you need to learn the skills that are needed in order to become a successful person. Being a leader will benefit you. You will be able to raise your voice, come up with ideas to benefit those that are in need, and help many people, among others. As you begin your education, you will learn leadership skills that later in life will help you in life and/or in your job.
Your Mentor,
Maria

Dear Mentee,
I believe that the first step of a great leader is to be a great listener. As a mentee, you are able to listen in and grasp a lot of things from teachers as will as mentors and people outside of school. As you take in knowledge and advice, you are able to provide others with that same knowledge and advice. It is important to be a leader because, truthfully, helping people is a great feeling and it influences others to want to step up and do something good.
Your Mentor,
Marques

Dear Mentee,
I will like to encourage you to be a mentor like me because I belief that you are capable of achieving this goal. Being a mentor you get the opportunity to help other students and you will get to experience being a leader and helping others with some of the problems that you might had during middle school and high school years. You also get to make new friends and help them in most cases with homework, completing any paper work, as will as turning applications to attend a college or a university to get a better education.
Your Mentor,
Yesenia

Dear Mentee,
I am writing to you because I wanted to let you know that you can be a leader. In fact, you can be one of the best leaders. You are probably wondering, “How is it that I can be a leader?” Well, let me tell you. I believe you can be a leader because it is not about who you are, but it's about what you do. Being a leader does not mean you have to be popular, come from a big and well known family, be rich or anything like that. Being a leader means that you, as a person, do the correct thing no matter where you come from, and others see what you do and follow in your footsteps. Anyone can be leader all they have to do is want to be a leader an overcome the obstacles that try to stop them form becoming a leader.
Your Mentor,
Mayra

Dear Mentee,
A leader is someone who takes action organized, responsible, on time, ready for a change, making a difference and includes everyone's opinion and ideas. I fell that you have all the sills and you should be a leader. Leaders have their own unique style, which makes a leader stronger. People will be following you and will give you the desire to make a change.
Your Mentor,
Juanita

Dear Mentee,
I would like you to know that you are a leader in my eyes. You are a leader because you're taking the responsibility of your own future. Nobody else can take that from you. You made the choice because you wanted to better yourself in all aspects of your life. For that I respect you as a mentee, person, and friend.
Your Mentor,
Feliciano