My life would not have even existed if I was not born. So I must thank my parents first( Dr. K.V. Thadani and Mrs Veena K. Thadani, and God who taught me how to survive and helped me through some form or other meeting the right person at the right time or an excellent idea, or coming up with after reading a magazine who would buy me the best always, and spoilt me. I always got the best from my dad, and the virtues from my mom,(MRS VEENA. K Thadani).I wish to thank my sisters,Geethu, KAVI, and Bharathi. I wish to thank my UNCLES, and Aunts and especially Mr. D.V Thadani,and Indru and their children My Aunts my cousin POONAM, who is my best child hood buddy and VIMMY VENUGOPAL who listened to my cribbing lectures and taught me medicine and gave me books to read. I would like to Thank ST. Francis Xavier's School my teachers at Jyoti Nivas, Victoria Hospital, Lima Emmanuel,My husband Rupen is the pillar of my strength, and instrumental in being WHAT I AM TODAY. My Teachers at UCSF- AMY Shiratsuki, Dr. Abbey Alkon,( FOR sharing her research knowledge, and helping me designing reseach questions, and teaching me more research), Dr. Bill Holzemer( for power, and gifts from Japan), Dr. Chafetz, Dr. Froelicher, Dr. Afaf Melies, Dr. Angela Banks, Dr. Min Sohn Dr. Mary WHite, Dr. Sally Rankin, Dr. Steve Paul, Dr.Bruce Cooper, Dr. Hully, Jenny Phelps who read my rubbish paragraphs.. and taught me how to write one paragraph at a time.., Dimitri, and GP( who read my rubbish paragraphs.. and Jim Grout who would just listen when I cried and teach me whenever he had the time, and I guess UCSF at large. So just a BIG Thank You and I feel I am so blessed with everything. I have everything. No regrets.

Neelam Chanda
San Francisco, CA

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Shawn Alexander is one of the most important mentors that I have had in my life. He is my best friend that lives in Las Vegas where I used to live. I met him on the first day of school in my German class. We were both freaked out freshmen in a class of all Juniors and Seniors. We had that we-need-to-stick-together-or-we're-dead attitude so we instantly became friends. We hung out almost everyday and usually played video games or watched movies. That's about the time when I started to get really interested in video games. However, I wasn't really into computers that much. That is until I went over to Shawn's house one day. He had told me to come over because he wanted to show me something that he was really excited about. When I got to his room, I noticed that he had a brand new computer and that there was a bunch of programming boxes everywhere. I asked him where he got his cool new computer and he said that he hadn't bought a new computer. I was confused and he saw that so he explained that he had only bought a new case for the computer and that he had rebuilt his old computer inside the new casing. I was amazed. I thought 'How is this possible?!' He was only 15 years old and was already building his own computers. Then he shocked me even more when he showed me what he was working on with his new programs that he bought. He had made his own computer games by programming his computer to be able to use the types of software that were needed. I couldn?t believe it. Not only was he building and modifying his own computers, but he was also creating and programming his own games. For the rest of that day I sat there with him and played with his game. It was a blast. After I got home, I thought about how cool it would be to be able to make my own games. From that point on I was hooked on games and anything that had to do with a computer. Shawn got me interested in creating and designing computer games and programs, which I am making my life career.

Zachary Atchley
Richland, WA

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This is long over due. If we never meet again Ms. Alfred, my 4th grade teacher that taught me how to read, I thank you. If you never teach another class, know the difference you made for one. If there is ever a time in your life that you may feel down, know in your heart how you lifted up one, that really needed it. Bless you, take care.

Katrius Muhammad
Guthrie, OK

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My friend Leticia Anderson has been a mentor to me. She has taught me to be patient and to wait for the things I want. It was just a few weeks ago whe we were out shopping for cloth and I found what I wanted. We walked uo to the cashier and there was the longest line ever. We got in line and waited there forever, it felt like we were there forever atleast. I started to get very impatient and thats when it started to feel like it was taking for ever. Leticia turned to me and told me to be be patient and I tried to be. The line then felt like it was moving much faster. We finally got up to the cashier and paid for our things. We left the store and went to another one. I got the things I wanted and waited in line. but this time I waited in line patiently and the line moved so much quicker. I was more patient this time and it felt so much better. I was able to get to the cashier sooner and I was able to get out of the store in a timely manner. So I have learned to be patient when I am waiting for something. Leticia has taught me a lot from this experience. I have been more patient with everything.

Ashley C.
Kennewick, WA

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Mrs Anthony was a 9th grade teacher in the Neptune NJ School system. I was placed in a testbed for accelerated students; we has a large rug in the classroom and we rested on pillows while we were in the learning environment. Truth be told; at the time I despised this woman, so sure of herself and self righteous in her approach. Conversely; for some strange reason, she adored me. She always spoke of "The Method"...in which she espoused a philosophy that a task can be done many ways...but only ONE way was best...THAT was "The Method". "That is YOUR task", she would say..."to FIND The Method". Today I'm a 51 year old Electronics Engineer who owns his own Business, and not a single day goes by that I tackle a project and don't hear her admonition. "The Method" has served me well...sadly, I never had the opportunity to thank her for her sage insight, as Mrs. Anthony has since passed away. I will forever be in her debt, and her legacy will live on in me.

David Mains
Neptune, NJ

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My mentor is my 9th grade English teacher Mrs. B. She gave me the tools on how to make good essays and poetry. She always gave me her full attention and help when I needed it and taught me how to think outside the box. Without her I would not be the writer that I am today. I am very grateful to have her as a mentor.

Olivia Baker, age 15
Mesquite, TX

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Tina Bardwell is my mother. I know a lot of people would say their parents were their role models but my mom has gone beyond that. She is my mom, my insperation, my role model, my best friend, and my hero. my mom is one of the nicest, outgoing people i know, but she also has a sassy side which I love. She surprises people all the tim with her attitude. My mom is also a very good cook she makes everything I love just so she can see me happy. I think my mom is the best one i have met so far. My mom once told me i could do anything i wanted to with my life if i wanted it bad enough i would set my mind to it and i would get it. For a girl with my dreams that ment a lot. There was one time i lived in utah and she lived in washington at the time i got in a car accident i didnt think of anything but to call her. She called everyone and told them to get there now! she showed me no matter how far apart we were she would always be there. I love my life everything about it i enjoy but if i didnt have my mom it wouldnt be the same. She made me who i am today. A strong independent girl who has i high head and will walk tall no matter how dark the situation there will be dark at night but morning will always come with the sun shining bright. If i could pick one person to be out of all the celebs and singers, movie stars or rock stars i would pick my mom!

Britany Brierley
Richland, WA

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You have helped me... But seriously, thanks for taking the time to answer the many questions that I have had over the last year. I have learned a lot and expect I will learn much more. Thanks,

Adam Glaser
Memphis, TN

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My mentor Peter is very nice.I think he is nice because he got me a dictionary for Christmas holiday.He is also checking my homework everyday that I see him.I think that he is the nicest mentor in the whole entire world. This is my tribute about my mentor.

Winston Khuu
Costa Mesa, CA

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It takes a difficult case to require two co-mentors. that case happens to be me. I would like to thank Rachel and Beckie for the way that they live their lives each hard working and willing to help anyone. I appreciate the knowledge and example they provide in the workplace. The things that have been most valuable to me as their protégé is the integrity, work ethic and love for family they share in every aspect of their lives. Each day I watch in amazement as they balance work and family performing each duty with excellence. While both Beckie and Rachel are very unique individuals, I respect these common values they share, and enjoy their individuality. It seems that I have a built in panel of support and would also like to thank the life coaches in my life. Tricia and Jamie thank you for the guidance and understanding that you so freely give! You guys are the best! I really feel blessed for all the wonderful individuals in my life these relationships have shaped who I am, and enriched any attribute I may have. I hope that I have and will be able to contribute a portion of what these ladies have gifted me in my life. You are truly amazing women. Thanks for all you do!

Amanda Farley Olsen
Copperton, UT

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Mrs. Brockett was my third grade teacher who instilled confidence in me through her innovative teaching techniques. She strove to make every student feel special and often broke the class into small groups where she could work with students better. I remember her always telling me I should be a lawyer since I was always concerned with what is fair and constantly speaking my mind-she had a knack for recognizing and encouraging specific qualities of her students. Third grade is when I really began to feel smart because she helped me feel that way. My parents always thought Mrs. Brockett was crazy, but it was her zany character that made me like her so much and remember her influence even to this day.

Lindsay Callahan
Wyckoff, NJ

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My mom's boyfriend; Greg who has been with our family for the past eight years has been teaching me how to be responsible with my money and spend it wisely. This way I can go to college and have a future with no debt and a descent lifestyle. Greg has been teaching me about stocks and bonds and watching the stock markets. Also where to put my money for example which banks. This is so because interest rates at different banks are really important because it will determine how much money will get in return for choosing their bank. I opened a CD account at Yakima Federal at 4.37% and after a month of my account being stuck at this rate it went up everytime their rates went up. It was at 100 dollar incriments and so I put in $500 to make it grow at a rapid rate. The CD account ends after 18 months and I can leave it for the next term or take it out. Also him and my mom opened me a checking account to teach me how to be more responsible with my money in the bank and my paychecks. Every month I pay $87 in car insurance and I pay for my own gas, clothes, animals, and everything I own. At times it can be difficult because I love shopping and spending money but I get reminded about saving for college. This helps stop me. When I first started learning how to save I would watch Suze Orman and other people's mistakes. I rarely watch her now. Now i focus on what the stocks are doing; whether they are going up or down. All in all he has taught me so much. I now know a lot about maoney and responsibility and I am so grateful for this.

Jessica Spence
Richland, WA

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My name is JoAnne: I was very young and gullible girl,at 20. I went to work as a secratary and grew to a WORLD WISE PERSON I consider myself today. Strong, wise and always thinking. I became a creative and great KITCHEN DEIGNER. No school or college, JUST "TEDDY" Now I am a Woman of 52, I attribute my success and knowledge to my best person in the world "TEDDY". There was no one better in math, sales,or criticism when due then "MY POOGY BEAR". Every day that goes by I thank him from Heaven for what he has taught me. There are still times in my struggling life when I need him and he still TEACHES ME through my thoughts and dreams. He is my reality. ox Zelda

Jo-Anne D'Ascoli
Brewster, NY

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Dr. micheal brooks, a socioloy professor at valdosta state has been a mentor to me in many different ways. he has encouraged me to give my best no matter what others think or say. his fantastic teaching style has given me a better outlook on life because thinking not only happens in the classroom but in everything you as a person does in everyday life. finally, dr. brooks has showed me that even thought that i have a disability to where i walk on crutches i can do anything i put my mind too. DR. MICHEAL BROOKS you are father that i always wanted and a mentor i can look up too, and a friend i will never lose...

James Turner
Valdosta, GA

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How do you put a price on experience, how do you put a value on belief? It takes a great person to extend grace and kindness, it takes someone extraordinary to be a mentor.. I have been blessed to be mentored by someone who is not only an exceptional business role model but also an inspiring human. Someone who understands the importance of being a good person first and foremost and the total confidence that the rest will follow. Observing the entire dance from beginning to end and knowing why each step was taken is a lesson that few people are fortunate enough to experience. He has encouraged me to learn by example, has given me the space to be an individual, the time to make my own way. He has consistently exhibited the wisdom to steer, the discipline to correct errors, the patience and the long suffering normally reserved only for ones own family. This has inspired me to make each of these characteristics a part of my work ethic and human experience. Each day I wonder how I managed to blip onto his radar and hope that it isn?t a fluke. This relationship is the turning point in my professional career. This relationship is a gift for which I will be eternally grateful for.

Kelli Baird
Southfield, MI

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What can I say about Charlie... She was 22 and a mother of two beautiful babies. Blaine is 4 and Caydence is 2. She was killed in April 2006 almost a year ago and left behind her babies for to carry her memory. I met Charlie at work. She wasn't just a friend to me she became my best friend and I hopes she still knows that. Charlie loved unconditionally, she would help anyone and everyone in need. She always took care of others and made sure they were care for. She taught me love and patience, how to care for someone without being doubtful of them. To give everyone a chance and to know everyone makes mistakes but if you keep a grudge it makes matters worse. She loved her kids more than her life... to this day her love is still around me when I see those bright blue eyes in Caydence. Charlie was the best mommy in many ways... from being patient to knowing when to discipline them. She never once had to raise her voice to them. Cared for them when they had a boo boo. I miss her more than anything or anyone in this world. She was a mentor and I hope someday when I have kids I can be half the mom she was. If you could have met her big blue eyes you would have known that love and kindness were surrounding you.

Jaime Cummings
CDA, ID

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My mentor has been there for me in different ways. The biggest thing that my mentor has shown me is I need to quit getting in trouble. I am learning to accept responsibility for my own actions, I have not been in as much trouble since I have known my mentor. He also has shown me the value of having an education. He has encouraged me to do better and make better choices. I really want to further my education, I would like to attend Michigan State university and earn my degree to become a special education teacher. I am glad the Florence Crittenton Services of Jackson have a mentoring program, I don't think I would have been able to meet my mentor if had I not been with this program.

Robert Christopher
Jackson, MI

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My brother Vinnie has mentored me throughout my entire life. When I think back on it I do not where I would be at this point in my life without the guidance of my brother. He has taught me so many different things in relation to responsibility, respect, hard work, and so much more. I strive to try to be as good as he is. We spent every day together for years which is where a great deal of my learning occurred. Although there were times where I thought I knew what I was doing and I did things that were not very smart, I look back on it now and realize how exactly right my brother was in what he was teaching me and how I should have listened to him the whole time. At this point in my life I have developed into a great person and I do not think I would be who I was today without having my brother as a mentor. I hope to provide a good example for the children that I am lucky enough to mentor throughout the upcoming semester. I want to work closely with the children to give them the advantage of good interpersonal skills at a much younger age. When I think back on my experience growing up, I would have benefited greatly from a program like this. I just hope to make a positive change in each student's life.

Luke Calvanese
Massachusetts

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Stanley Caradine is my best friend i saw Stan back in 1986 i don;t have a brother; so he is like a brother to me. He told me about classical music and it is because of Stan that i have culture in classical music. I have over 500 cd;s and we attend a lot of concerts; We are attending a concert in June of this year.So this my Tribute.

Michael Glass
Chicago, IL

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I would like to thank my mentor and my best friend for the comforting in a situation I went through when I was 3 years old.  I was sexually abused by my father and she helped me through it.  I did not tell anyone until I was 13 or 14 years old.  And again, she is and will always be my number one friend and mentor.  I am now 33 years old and I can still talk to her about any and everything.  Oh and did I mention, she is my aunt.  Aunt Carma, I love you dearly.  Love your niece Renee Lane.

Renee Lane
Columbia, SC

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I met Joanna when she was a sophomore at Harvard and I was a seven year old child who recently emigrated from Liberia. She was my camp counselor at a Phillips Brooks House summer program. For years I didn't know how to explain our relationship to other people because she is really a friend who happens to be 12 years my senior. At one point I began to refer to her as my "mentor." Now I believe that describes her best because she has been a resource of wisdom and insight. Joanna has also been like sister to me and played a part in easing my journey into adulthood. In the eighteen years I have known her, she has impacted my life in the simplest ways: offering a listening ear, speaking affirming words into my life, encouraging me to follow my dreams. She continues to contribute to my success and inspires me to contribute to the success of younger women in my community.

Chara Itoka
Cambridge, MA

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Miss Causby was my seventh grade math and science teacher. She was tough -- many students were afraid of her because she expected so much from us. It didn't take long for me to realize that she expected so much because she believed in us, and wanted us to stretch our minds and challenge ourselves. I've been so fortunate to have many great teachers. But teachers like Miss Causby often don't hear from their students after those students have grown enough to appreciate what gifts their teachers gave them. Miss Causby, thank you...about 25 years later. I'm an Associate Professor at a University now, educating others and expecting great things from my students, the same way you did for us all. I hope that I can pass the torch on to just a few students, so your light can shine in them, too.

Katharine Stewart
Little Rock, AR

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My best friend Holly has always been there for me. Since we first met at that hockey game fifteen years ago, she hasn't given up on me. Being two weeks older than me she's like the big sister I never had. She has never had enough confidence in herself, she always puts herself down. But what she lacked in herself she gave to me. Holly is one of the few people I know who cares more about how others feel than how she feels. When we first started high school I was getting really bad grades and I started to hang around the wrong crowd of people. She always had better grades than I did, she was so smart and knew all of the right things to do. And no matter how many times I fell in our freshman year, she would always pick me back up and try to point me in a better direction. Sometimes I'd be on the verge of just giving up on school because I didn't have the grades to make it. Holly encouraged me and helped me figure everything out. She was my shoulder to cry on and my rock when everything seemed unstable. Now we're here in our senior year, ready to graduate, and she has helped me make it here. She is someone to respect. She's good hearted and puts others before herself. She's not only my mentor, but she's also one of my heroes'. There are times when I find myself trying to be like her. She's had such a big influence on my life, I don't know where I'd be today if we had never met at that hockey game, fifteen years ago.

Pamela W
Richland, WA

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How do you start off with such a tribute.. I'm not quite sure if there's enough words that can describe my mentor! Knowing that he made me believe in myself, boosted my confidence, provided guidance, encouragement & opportunities. With his guidance I was able to take responsibilty of my life and direct it in the direction I decided rather than leaving it to chance! Through all of this, I achieved a partnership let alone a friendship and most of all a short-cut to which I thought was success but in the end was an eye-opening potentially rich source of learning about myself and life itself. My mentor at one point said he passed on all he could and that he completed his job & that now it's my time to put it to practice but if he could only understand that eventhough he may feel that way, in each and every conversation we have to this very day I wasn't just learning towards my career but about everday life experiences so to me I was constantly learning & believe that there is no limitations. With this being a said the definition of a mentor can only be defined as PIERRE CHICOINE himself. All his efforts, time and devoution has made an ongoing & continuous difference & with my own experience I received from him, I will keep on passing his teachings onto others so this way others too can experience what I did, and most of all I know I can be confident that true appreciation will always be carried through! Thanks Pierre aka Brat, Chico, for just being nothing more than just yourself! Your mentee & friend

Sandy Melo
Quebec, Canada

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It was my first day of the sixth grade, I looked into my first hour class and saw a familiar face. It was my neighbor Jim, and now my new home room and English teacher. The bell rang and I hurried into the classroom to find a seat. Mr. Chinook welcomed his new class into a new world, also known as middle school. He then continued on by saying "You just opened a new door in your life, you can either leave this door open and charge through the next few years opening more doors or you can close it and leave it at that. Your life is what you make it." And that was it! The bell rang and my classmates and I filed out of the classroom silently, millions of thoughts running through our heads, My middle school career flew by but thanks to Mr. Chinook, whenever I think about giving up or slacking the words "Life is what you make it," run through my head. Mr. Chinook disontinued his Anti-depressant medication at the end of my sixth grade year and committed suicide, leaving behind a group of children in his first period class who will never stop hearing "Life is what you make it" and who never got to thank Jim for helping them make their lives what they are today good or bad. And even though he will never see this I would like to thank Jim Chinook for encouraging me to be a strong person and to never give up something important to me. I miss you Jim.

Shelby W.
Richland, WA

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After finishing my first year in high school, I decided to pursue an activity that would allow me to express myself, meet new friends, and make myself a better person (both intellectually and personally). Entering sophomore year, I took a Design Tech Class and learned about the Robotics Team. Being the curious person I am, I decided to check out the first meeting. To my surprise, I there was an opening for a Web designer, and knowing about HTML, I took it. Mr. Clark has greatly helped my learn more about HTML as well as taught me about professional programs like Dreamweaver and Macromedia Fireworks. He has also allowed me to express myself through the web design by letting me be creative and trying out new codes and scripts when I discovered them. Mr. Clark is very kind and thoughtful, and helps everyone on the team be the best they can be with no pressure. He is also generous and teaches you whatever you need to know. There are many more mentors that I would like to submit that also deserve it, but somehow, I feel that Mr. Clark has truly earned and deserves this award.

Maria Deslis, age 15
Louisville, CO

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Thank you for saving my life. Thank you for giving a young 14 year old girl some hope that there is more than the drudge of every day life.Thank you for taking that extra step and not shrinking away from me when I returned to school after that suicide attempt-like everyone else did. Thank you for giving me the joyful gift of music and how to share it, for making me feel special but not so special that I couldn't think of others. I know the school officials gave you the "hard" kids, the depressed kids, the ones who didn't fit in-that was me. I mentor every day of my life because of you-Mary Cole-Oxon Hill Jr. High School-1975. Thank you!!

Wanda Fowler Wilson
Los Lunas, NM

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Myles is more than a mentor to me and my family. He is more like a family member. He reaches beyond the mentoring. Myles has changed my outlook for my future. I now have goals. He is always there for me. Myles is very special to me.

Carlos Martinez, age 13
Westmorland, CA

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This tribute is apart of many that I am far behind in submitting. Mrs. Millie Cruzat is one of my favorite mentor's, because she gave me time, atttention, care, and an opportunity where I saw none. She allowed me as a teenage parent to attend dance/aerobic classes for free; for years. This may not seem like much to some, but for me, at that time in my life, it saved me. As long as I live she and her family will always be apart of my life of giving back. That's what it really is about, giving back. Thank you.

Katrius Muhammad (Coleman)

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As bad as divorce can be to a young girl of 15, it would have been worse had my mom not been a "horribly mean & overly strict" mother. She had the gaul to teach me to be responsible for my actions, not lie, not cheat & to be honest. She stuck up for me when I was right & made me take the blame when it was mine. I had to work in our family store for an hour after school every day (how cruel)! She enforced virtues, morals & insisted on dedication to whatever I tried. If I wanted to play sports or learn an instrument, I had to be dedicated to it for at least a year. I didn't have to be perfect, I just wasn't allowed to give up without a trying. She made me look up big words in the dictionary if I didn't know what they meant & she made me study! Growing up, I despised the strictness of my mean mom. I was sure she had no clue what it was like to be a young girl! Today I can never say "THANK YOU!" enough to her. Her mentoring allowed me to move to a new State alone where I knew no-one, had no job or money & no clue what I was going to do. Her mentoring helped me graduate magna cum laude, become a responsible citizen, never become a victim & always be a strong individual. At 15 I never thought I would be throwing accolades to my mean mother! The families in this country needs more "mean mean moms" like mine. She isn't famous, rich, notable or anything fancy. But she was the BEST mentor that I never knew I had until I had to do it on my own.

Kenna P.
Scottsdale, AZ

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I can't narrow down the people who have given the biggest positive impact in my life. My family has shown me what I want to be and what I definitely want to avoid. My mother has always encouraged me to do my best and her support for what I want in life has never ceased. When stress at school overwhelms me, she's always there for me to have a shoulder to cry on or just to talk to.

Ally Daly, age 15
Dallas, TX

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I would like to thank Kathryn Dawson-Townsend for her guidance and support. She has motivated me to do things that I may have thought to be impossible, and to grow and develop by reaching outside my comfort zone. I have and always will admire her for the person she is and all that she stands for. She is an intelligent, dedicated, compassionate person not only as a leader, but as a friend and mother too. I will always be grateful for having been given the opportunity to mentor with her! She has taught me to believe in myself and that all things are possible. For all that she's done for me, the words of wisdom she's provided me, and for making me believe that nothing is impossible I say THANK YOU!!!

Elaine Macomber
North Quincy, MA

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Coach Derosia was a mentor to me throughout my four years in high school. He started as my JV hockey coach and eventually became someone that I could go to for anything. Coach Derosia is someone who I admire in the way that he works, his effort, his attitude, and most imortantly the way he leads. As an Assistant Principle in the high school I went to, he was not someone who wouldn't intimidate the students so they didn't cause problems, but he got to know most of the students who he worked with and this was his way of keeping order within the school. Coach Derosia was a man who I have looked up to for the past four years, and he played a main role in making me the person that I am today. I hope that I can have the same influence on the people that I work with this semester and throughout the rest of my life, as Coach Derosia did on me.

Todd DeAngelo
Hampden, MA

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I was 15 years old when I went away to Military School. It was only 2 hours from my home, but might as well been 1,000. The first several weeks I was extremely homesick and feeling pretty lost. There were actually several cadets who helped or mentored me during those first months. John Saltzman, who was my squad leader was the first to show compassion and to make me feel that everything would be okay. But there was one teacher who made the most difference for me during my 4 years at Oklahoma Military Academy. His name is Gary Easley. He was my History teacher, and my baseball coach. I remember that even though History was not a favorite of mine that Coach Easley inspired me to want to learn. He always had a calm and kind demeanor, and had a genuine concern for his students. In one of our baseball games I hit a ball between left and center field. When I connected with the ball, I thought to myself that this was my best hit.. ever. After I came back to the dugout, Coach Easley put his hand on my shoulder and said, "Gary, I think that was the hardest I've ever seen you hit a ball". I think what made Gary special to me was that he cared. He made me want to be better, to do good. Since I left OMA, I have done better... I have done good. Thank you Gary Easley for being a mentor to me!

Gary Good
Oklahoma City, OK

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Mr. Fermon was my fifth grade teacher. He was also the first male teacher I ever had. I was mad to find out that I had received him as my teacher because I didn't think his intelligence could live up to my previous female teacher's intelligence. I also expected him to be less understanding and much more firm. However, he taught me that all of my stereotypes were wrong. Today, he has stood out as my favorite teacher who taught me things I could not learn from textbooks. I learned that men are equal to women, and everyone has their own style of teaching.

Roseleen Dello Russo
Revere, MA

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It was a Friday afternoon in December 1994 when I met for the first time my mentor Larry Foster. I had gone to his office fully expecting that I might have at most 20-30 minutes with him and I was happy and appreciative of whatever he was willing to share with me. I was in for a big surprise! That afternoon Larry very warmly welcomed me into his corner suite office overlooking the north Dallas Tollway in a prestigious office complex. He was casual, friendly and open with his conversation and I was intrigued by his questioning ability and his genuine interest in me. He showed by both his words and actions how down to earth and approachable he was. He invested well over an hour in our first appointment and it was memorable in many ways. That day was the beginning of a long time friendship and mentoring relationship over the past 12 years. During the months and years that have followed that initial meeting Larry has repeatedly given generously of his time, his contacts, his wisdom and his concern for me. He has introduced me to all of his family, his business associates and many of his friends both near and far. He opened doors of introduction that led to business contracts and repeatedly gave me high recommendations. His positive, funny and light hearted humor has endeared him to me and he was one of those who I was able to confide in during the dark hours of my divorce. I honor my friend and long time mentor Larry Foster today on National Mentor Day with this tribute to his influence and support in my life and to thank him for the success I've enjoyed.

George Hendley
Richardson, TX

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There are a "Rare Breed" of select individuals in life that come along (if you are fortunate and blessed enough) to touch your life with such an "IMPACT" as you have touched mine, of which I am and always will be ETERNALLY GRATEFUL. Words could NEVER express my appreciation for all you have done for me...both in the past and as you still do presently everyday. You have not only believed in me from the beginning and virtually lauched my career through the major television and radio exposure you granted me through the magnificent years we've shared together, but that of countless STARS you put on the map... making them the STARS they are today, including myself! You're Love, kindness, generosity, inteligence, experience and your humble unselfishness is a "GOD Send", and a "Beacon of Light" as an example to the world.You are an "ICON" in the Entertainment Industry as a Radio and TV Celebrity,Author and the "KING" of Memorabilia.You Originated and Created what the World knows today as the{TALK/VARIETY SHOW}and hold the World's Record for interviewing and hosting the most guests to date in the History of TV.In your own words to me you told me that "I am Basking in the Shadow of Your Reflection,that you've believed in me from the beginning and that I'm Your "STAR".You Sir,MR. Joe Franklin... are my "MENTOR" in my Life and I am Honored that you've consented to portray the Role of my Mentor for my Up-Coming Feature Film "The MENTOR" for the World to see as a Testimony.I will live my Life Mentoring others with the same Love and Sharing that you imparted to me. GOD BLESS YOU,ALWAYS! Professionally and Respectfully Yours,

Pete DeLorenzo
Garfield, NJ

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My mentor was John Gay, a pitching coach that lives in Vancouver. I started going to him as a coach when i was 8. At the first clinic i did not know anything about what i was doing, having no clue how to throw the softball with control or speed as i had seen Megan Fowler do. She inspired me to try to become a softball pitcher; however she is not the one who has kept me going over 11 years. The first time i threw the softball to my dad it went wherever it wanted to go. Sometimes it would even bounce to him instead of hitting his glove in the air. Over the years John has taught me a good motion and has told me to trust my motion and the speed will come eventually. I did not want to trust him but i did, so i started out slow and easy just getting what he called the perfect motion to throw harder. He still does not believe i have an absolute perfect motion but that i have the potential to with hard work. Every pitching clinic i have ever gone to, John tells me the same thing every time....... "NO NO NO you're doing it all wrong,Do it like this," sometimes yes i would want to quit but then he would tell me with all this work i would be great. Every month during the winter when he would come down for the monthly pitching clinic and would video tape what we were doing right and wrong so that we could work on that until the next time he came down. I thought i would never get it right, but John kept pushing me telling me "You can do it, i believe in you." Before that I had NEVER had anyone that believed in me. I kept pushing myself to be the best i could be becauseI wanted to make John proud. Even now when I go to a pitching clinic, he smiles at me and then says in a smarty tone "ready to get your butt kicked," that was always his way of telling me that today was going to be hard on me and was I willing to go through it. Without him i don't know if i would be still playing and going to college on a softball scholarship.

Brittany Heiman
Richland, WA

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Mrs. Giovinco and Mrs. Guariligia mentor myself, my sister and my brother. I attend an elementary school in New York. We have 48 teachers who are in the mentoring program for our school. We do fun activities with our mentor all year long. We get to watch a movie, eat ice cream, go bowling and have a breakfast with our mentors. Most of all our mentor does extra crafts with us. We really love doing the crafts with them. We make cool things. It is nice to learn new things and spend time with them. They are very nice to us. M y Mentor is E xcellent N ice T errific O utstanding R eally generous S pecial to me.

Jennifer H., age 9
Hauppauge, NY

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I just wanted to take a moment to thank Doni for seeing the potential in me that I didn't know existed. I was a typical lost 18 year old kid with no goals for my life when I met Doni. He was my manager at a restaurant, and had hired me as a dishwasher. I was only working to make a little money to go out and party. I was on the verge of getting fired when Doni took me under his wing, and began to "show me the ropes" of life. Doni taught me how to set goals for myself. He taught me everything from how to coach people to achieve results, to how to pick out a shirt and tie that matched. Most importantly, Doni instilled a self confidence in me that still burns brightly 20 years later. I've been thankful that I met Doni every day since. I often mention him and our story to the employees that I supervise to this very day, always talking as if he were some legendary superhero. I do my best to have an affect on my employees like he did on me every day. When the occasional comment comes from an employee that they appreciate everything that I ever did to get the best out of them, I tell them this story, and tell them that I just feel an obligation to "pass it on".

Joe Garcia
Denver, CO

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I would like to thank my mentor for all the inspiration and motivation that she has filled me with. She is such a strong, disciplined woman whom I admire. In high school, all the students hated Algebra and they knew it wasn't easy in our class. Ms.Goff didn't sugar coat or make anything easy. She taught Math so that we could learn the concept and not just get the answer. Her lessons in class have helped me in my daily interactions in life. Although math was very easy for me, there have been things in my life that have not been so easy. But I would always remember Ms.Goff, and I would go through with whatever I had to even if it called for hard work. I will continue to be a mentor to others because I know how important it is to have a mentor that you really trust and believe in. If Ms. Goff did not enter my life, I would not have had a chance to experience her positive outlook on life. The lack of her in my life could have caused me to take a path that I would have regretted, so I thank God for that.

Earsene Scott
St. Louis, MO

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"Our magazine appeals to a certain clientel and you are still dressing for the modeling academy. You just MUST dress appropriately for this job!" the Editor scolded. Looking down at my peach safari outfit tucked neatly into my designer leather boots,I adjusted the cotton scarf tied around my then young neck. Tossing my long curls over one shoulder, I squared her in the eyes and sassed, "Take a good look, Denny, 'cause this is as straight as I get." She stared back in disbelief and silence filled the room for what seemed like minutes, then she howled with laughter. She typed out my statement and posted it in her office for years. Denny Gordan has been my mentor for over thirty years. My job was in sales but one month Denny let me write a short fashion article for the magazine. She loved the way I started my little article and her enthusiasm made me remember three decades later the actual words I wrote: "light, bright and carefree." They were simple little words but Denny loved them and she made me so proud. She made me believe in myself. Denny Gordan is a class act from Gross Point, Michigan and we come from very different worlds. But Denny always included me in her social affairs. She took me to fancy parties and introduced me to fancy friends.She played up the good in me, and if she ever saw the bad, she laughed it off.I wanted to be the person Denny saw in me. When I started a big job, Denny offered to buy me a suit. When I got homesick, she offered to send airline tickets. When I needed my first computer, she said to price a laptop. I never took Denny up on any of those offers, but I knew I could. Actually, I knew Denny would invest in anything I needed. But when I became a doctor at fifty years old, I believed I could write my own press release. Thank you Denny. When I grow up I want to be just like you.

Charlene Parrish
Thomasville, GA

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Aunt Sherry wasn't my favorite Aunt. I have no bad feelings toward her now for the nights she would come visit and take my mom away and tell my sister and me to go to bed. I have no bad feelings because now, I'm my mom in that situation. We share days and nights together like friends. I call her just like I would any other of my good friends. Many situations have arisen in my life, especially tough ones this past year, and during the last 3 years, Aunt Sherry has been there for every one of them. She helps me out with boy, work, and parent problems. The thing I love most about talking with her, is how no matter what decision I make, she applauds me for making good, mature choices. In one particular instance, I was being made to move in with my dad in Seattle. This was much more dramatic than it sounds, considering I've never had a great relationship with my dad. When my mom told me, I quickly tried to work out a way to try and live with Aunt Sherry. I asked her and my mom. Aunt Sherry said yes, my parents said no. So, I packed, cried, and talked it out, for a week. Through all my tears, anger, and feelings of abandonedment, Aunt Sherry was there. The night I went to say goodbye to her was so hard. I never want to cry or feel like that ever again. However, she was my standing post, she made me feel strong and optimistic. Maybe it was because she saw both sides of the story and felt for me. Really, it's because she unconditionally believes in me.

Casey Harpe
Richland, WA

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I am writing to thank my son's mentor. My son, Seamus is 9 years old, and as much as he adores Coach Hagen, he is too young to truly appreciate how lucky he is to have Kevin as his coach, and mentor. I also believe that Coach Hagen has no idea just how much we value his role in Seamus' life. We arrived in the North East (NY/Norhtern NJ)from Canada when our son was 7. He had just spent a year playing hockey for a very destructive individual in Toronto, Canada. His confidence was shattered, and he never wanted to play again. Kevin is the youth hockey director at our local rink. When he heard Seamus' story he agreed to skate with Seamus is the morning to help work on his skills, and boost his confidence. Seamus was leery, but after hearing that Kevin was also a transplanted Canadian, he agreed to give it a shot. Kevin has skated with Seamus at 6 am, once a week, every week for over two years now. In that time Seamus's skills have grown; he went from being one of the weakest players on his in house team, to making his rink's travel team for this season. He was so thrilled! He (and Kevin) had worked so hard to make this happen. More importantly, his confidence has blossomed. The other day we were talking about the importance of confidence, and I asked him what makes him feel good about himself. He told me "Mom, I believe in myself most, when I am on the ice with Kevin". I do not have the words to thank Kevin. He has taught Seamus to believe in himself, to work for what he wants, and that he can have faith in others. What he has done for Seamus goes so far above and beyond the role of coach. The impact that he has had on Seamus will affect Seamus for all of his life. I believe that Kevin personifies the definition of what a Mentor is. Thank you so much, Kevin.

Trish Page
Hastings, NY

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I wish to thank my mentor, Maria Halvorsen. Maria is an amazing source of light in the lives of everyone she touches and beyond. Maria is the COO of an organization who's mission it is "to support women CEO's, entrepreneurs and senior corporate executives by helping them grow their businesses and careers." She is extremely passionate and giving in everything she does. Besides the countless numbers of women she assists through her corporate work, she is also a devoted mother, friend, and teacher. In her "spare time" she teaches spiritual and personal development classes, empowering her students to have faith in themselves and to spread examples of faith, hope and love to others. When I began taking Maria's classes I was extremely shy and just coming out of a dark period in my life. Maria's support, wisdom, sense of humor, and compassion helped give me the strength to help myself, and to be able to be there for others in a way that I never before could. In addition to being a great mother, career woman, teacher & friend, Maria also holds other pastoral & leadership roles and responsibilities in her community. She is the busiest woman I know, yet her smile constantly shines the brightest. Her energy and enthusiasm is infectious. I am incredibly grateful for Maria?s constant dedication to improve the lives of those around her. I found my mentor at 31 years old. I hope that programs like this will encourage more mentors for children and young adults so that they too will find their Maria at just the right time! Thank you!

April Codair
Lynn, MA

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I have had meany mentors in my life, but the most memorable one is Darrell Hankins. He is the Seal coordinator for the western region. Chief Disharm hires him to come to the Tri-ctities once a month and train with the recruits that are trying to become Navy Seals or Special Warfare Combat Crewman. Darrell has a lot of experieince in this field because he served in The Special Warfare sector of the Navy for 23 years. Special Warfare is Seals, and SWCC. For 18 years he was on SWCC, then for an extra 5 years he was a Navy Seal. He has so many interesting stories. For example, he once told all of us recruits about a mission that he was on in Sout america, and it just sounded so exciting that i had to try out for SWCC! But most of all, he has so much useful information about the two programs. When he comes to the Tri-cities each month, we hold a training session at World Gym. Yakima, ellensburg, and Prossed recruits all come to the gym to take part in the training. At the last session, i got some suprising news. Darrell asked me to help him teach some of the recruits some swimming techniques! And this came as no big suprise to me because i am a lifeguard, swim lesson teacher, and i was on swim team for about 8 years! I was definently qualified for the job. Since that day, each month when Darrell comes to Tri-cities, i get to help the other recruits swim and get ready for their Seal, or SWCC tests. I feel really good that Darrell chose me to be his helper. Darrell is an amazing individual. I can only hope to do half of the long list of amazing things that he has donw willingly for his country. I am going to continue helping him train the other recruits until i ship out on August 7, 2007.

Kenny Callies
Richland, WA

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When I was approached with the question of was, there anyone in my life who I would like to thank for being a mentor t