Many team members within The Johnson Group have experienced the lifetime impact a mentor has had on their lives. In many cases, mentors have been helpful in guiding and shaping
careers, lending advice, and connecting networks to introduce new opportunities for those in the business community. Leaders are frequently heard referencing the importance of mentorship in advancing their business careers. Most of those mentor relationships likely begin during college or the early part of a career, and yet, they make a lasting impact.
Imagine the impact a mentor can have on a life when that relationship begins in the formative years of elementary school. Rather than focusing on career advice and professional development, mentors building relationships with elementary students can focus on instilling confidence, inspiring big dreams, coaching on discipline, teaching about the rewards of hard work, and providing a space of safety, security, and fun.
Meeting Street Academy, a Spartanburg District 7 School of Innovation located in downtown Spartanburg, has determined that mentorship is a vital component of the robust education they are providing their students, and team members across The Johnson Group have been quick to jump in to help.
"I have always enjoyed volunteering at local schools. It is fun to see the young children’s enthusiasm for learning and nice to give back where possible, especially within our immediate community. I still recall well those that invested in me when I was growing up and hope to return the favor. My mentors helped spark my passion for learning as well as reinforced that anything was possible with commitment."
Ted Collie
President, Multifamily Division, Johnson Development Associates, Inc.
Each mentor is carefully paired with a student, and the two meet one day each week for 20-30 minutes. Ted, despite traveling nearly every week with his role within JDA, is intentional about carving out time on a weekly basis to meet with his mentee on one of the days he is in town.
"Meeting my mentee for the first time and listening to her share as if we’ve been friends forever has given me so much joy. I have, after [a very short period of time], gone from, 'do I have time to do this' to 'it’s hard to only visit once a week.' The Johnson Group’s partnership with Meeting Street creates long-term positive impact in the lives of students and in my own personal life. It’s fulfilling to reach outside of my circle and have a new, young friend in my mentee."
Sarah Keim
Revenue Manager, OTO Development
Meeting Street Academy’s Mentor Program is making a big impact on the students, and it is equally as impactful for the adults who give their energy and care to building relationships with their mentees.
Meeting Street Academy’s goal is to pair each of its students with a mentor. If you are interested in joining this program and impacting the life of a student in the upcoming school year, please reach out to Kathy Dunleavy at kdunleavy@johnsondevelopment.net.
