Building Connection, One Page at a Time: Heather’s Journey as a Mentor with Center for Success Network
By Heather Storey, Mentor with Center for Success Network
When I first learned about Center for Success Network (CFSN) through my colleague Laurie Washington, I was immediately interested. Laurie and I both work at DTE, where I coordinate our Chapter One Tutoring program, and she thought CFSN would be a natural fit for my interest in virtual mentoring. I joined the program in Fall 2020 and, over the past four years, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring two incredible students.
The Joy of Being Part of a Child’s Literacy Journey
Mentoring with CFSN has been an amazing journey. There’s something deeply rewarding about supporting a child’s literacy development and being a positive presence in their life. Each session is more than just reading; it’s about cheering them on, sharing in their small victories, and helping them build confidence one word at a time. Watching them improve is a joy, but I’ve also learned how much access to books matters. Not every child has books at home or the chance to explore stories that excite them. Seeing the impact that books can have has driven me to organize book drives at DTE to provide books not only to CFSN but to other nonprofits as well.
The simple things—like a favorite-colored backpack or a book they love—can make a child feel excited about school and build a sense of belonging. I’ve led backpack drives to make sure kids start school with a backpack they love, filled with supplies they need. These small actions show the kids that someone cares about them and believes in their success.
Lessons Learned: Empathy and Perspective
Mentoring has also taught me a lot about empathy. When you mentor, you get a glimpse into the different challenges each child faces. Not all children have the same starting point when they enter school, and understanding that has helped me approach each session with more patience and care. It’s a reminder to look beyond what we see on the surface and acknowledge that every child has their own story, even if we don’t know all the details.
Each session is as much a learning experience for me as it is for the student. I’ve grown in my understanding of what it means to support someone else’s journey, especially a young student’s, where encouragement and kindness can make all the difference.
The Power of Connection
Being a mentor has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It’s incredible to be a part of a network like CFSN that truly cares about children’s literacy and well-being. Knowing that I can help a child develop their skills and, at the same time, build a relationship where they feel seen and valued, has been life-changing. It’s a simple commitment that creates lasting impact, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of each child’s journey.
Mentoring with CFSN has reminded me of the power of small acts. Whether it’s organizing a book drive or sharing a favorite story, each step adds to the foundation of a child’s confidence and love of learning. And in doing so, it’s built a special bond that I will always cherish.