You have to be really careful about money or displaying the social differences. You have to be careful not to alienate the kids. Equally a problem is the danger of alienating the children's families. Parents and other relatives are naturally suspicious of an outside adult's interest in their children's education. Fortunately, the fact that the meetings between mentors and their students take place within the school during school hours defuses some of these concerns.
Mentors also face self doubt.
Admittedly, we at Sloan can be a very goal-oriented group. It is difficult to see these kids, in some cases month after month, without any indication from the kids that they care one way or the other whether you show up or not. And sometimes they don't show up. Ms. Lupica believes firmly that mentors do make a difference. You won't see the kind of measurable results that some people might hope for with these kids.