Meet Henry & Kenley

Meet Henry, a 5^th grader who had been asking for a mentor for two years:

“I haven’t ever really had a mentor. I want to try new things, and I feel like a mentor would help me do that and support me when I need them. I think it would be really fun.” – Henry, November 2023

Thanks to generous folks like you, Henry has been matched with a mentor!

Though Henry and Kenley have only been matched through the Twinfield Together Mentoring Program for a few months, it’s clear they share an extraordinary bond that transcends their intergenerational friendship. Their story is a testament to the power of mentorship and the beautiful connections it forges.

Each week, Henry eagerly awaits Kenley’s arrival, expressing, “Usually whenever Kenley gets into the parking area, I try to find his vehicle as fast as I can. I feel excited when I get to see Kenley.” Their adventures, from exploring historical gems in Montpelier to charming streets in Barre, have become cherished memories. “The thing that’s really great about having a mentor is that you can have so much fun and time passes so quickly when I spend time with Kenley. Usually, I find we often agree about things…I can talk to Kenley about lots of things.” shares Henry, emphasizing the joy he finds in their shared experiences.

Kenley, drawn to the energy of the school hallways, reflects on the fulfillment mentoring brings, saying, “There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing him coming out of the school, and he’s got a big smile on his face and he waves at me when he sees me.” Since his recent retirement, Kenley says he has found purpose in mentoring, each session becoming a highlight in his week.

Kenley, a history buff, recalls a visit to a history museum with Henry, stating, “It was great because Henry had just been there, so he was able to show me things. I had the opportunity to learn things from him.” Their connection goes beyond scheduled meetings; it’s about creating shared experiences and building a friendship that transcends traditional roles. Kenley notes, “It’s a great way to build an intergenerational friendship”.

Henry, a verbal and inquisitive young man, values Kenley as a friend who listens, supporting and encouraging him to explore new horizons. Reflecting on their time spent together, both Henry and Kenley share what makes their mentoring relationship different from their other friendships:

“I think the way this relationship is different is because it’s really great to have someone to talk to about how I’m feeling, things that are really important to me.” – Henry

“I think for me the thing that sets our relationship apart from the other relationships in my life is that it’s all about building a friendship and having fun together. I’m not an authority figure. I’m not a teacher or a parent. We’re friends.” – Kenley

In a world where genuine connections are invaluable, Henry and Kenley embody the essence of mentorship, proving that age is just a number when it comes to building meaningful mentoring relationships. Their story is a beacon of hope, showcasing the positive impact of mentoring on both mentor and mentee.

For folks like you supporting the mentoring field, Henry and Kenley’s story is a testament to the transformative power of your contributions. You are investing in the resources and support that will help ensure relationships like Henry and Kenley’s can thrive. Thank you.

Want to meet more mentor matches? Click here!