The Providence Journal

West Bay Edition, February 6, 2008

THE PROVIDENCE JOURNAL/BILL MURPHY

For the last four years, Jackie Smith of Warwick, has been a mentor to Shannon Vongsavang, 12.  They get together for an hour a week at Providence's Samuel Bridgham Middle School, where Shannon is a seventh-grader, for wide-ranging conversations.

A MEETING OF THE MINDS

Lisa Vernon Sparks, Journal Staff Writer

When Shannon Vongsavang and Jackie Smith get together, Shannon talks about someday having a modeling career, or about the last mystery novel she read or about wanting to take an exotic trip.

Shannon is a seventh-grader at Samuel Bridgham Middle School, and Smith, an administrative assistant at Citizens Bank, is her mentor, a job she cherishes and has done for four years.

Their weekly one-hour sessions at Bridgham are a delightful diversion from classes for the bubbly 12-year-old.  For Smith, the sessions are pure joy.

"It gives me a chance to figure out what's going on in the world of a 12-year old," said Smith, who has grandchildren around Shannon's age living in nearby Massachusetts, whom she doesn't see as often as she would like.

"Every time I come to see (Shannon), she is running down the hall, smiling.  She's so appreciative. I keep coming back."

Last month, Smith was among 34 people to be presented an Excellence in Mentoring Award by the Rhode Island Mentoring Partnership.  This is the third year the partnership has given the award, which recognizes mentors from its affiliate agencies around the state.

A Warwick resident, Smith signed on at Volunteers in Providence Schools (VIPS) to do more in the community.  VIPS is a 45-year-old educational nonprofit organization that connects positive adult role models with students who are struggling academically or who need social support.  The agency nominated Smith for the excellence award in part because her long-standing relationship with Shannon is rare.

"The longevity is huge. Two years is more typical for adult mentors with us," said Nancy Kirsch, spokeswoman for VIPS.  "Many individuals aren't wilimg or able to make the commitment ... for four years.  Jackie is very warm and giving."

In particular, mentoring middle school children, tutoring them and spending time with them is challenging, Kirsch said.  It's a time in life when they are moving away from adult influences and more toward peer-centered relationships.  Scheduling is difficult because sessions are held during non-school times, during recess, when students are with friends, or during art or music classes.

"Adolescence is such an emotional rollercoaster for many students with many competing demands," Kirsch said.

Smith vividly remembers the first time she met Shannon, one of five children being raised by a single mother, who emigrated from Cambodia and is struggling to make ends meet.

It was four years ago. Smith stood in the middle of a crowded elementary school library amid darting children and adults mingling around a table with juice and doughnuts.  Suddenly a small third-grader raced toward her.  Smith, then a new VIPS volunteer, was wiating to be matched up with a child who needed a mentor. Shannon's exuberance intrigued her.

"She immediately grabbed my hand ... She never let go of my hand all that day," Smith recalled.  With a fierce grip, Shannon tugged Smith all around the library at the Asa Messer Elementary School, as if they had known each other for years.  "Here was this child that doesn't even know what I was there for," Smith said.  Shannon's third-grade teacher recommended the usually shy child for he mentoring program because she felt it would help bring her out of her shell, Kirsch said.

Shannon, who is now tall, athetic and outgoing, said she enjoys being with Smith because they do crafts, such as making gift baskets for Christmas or decorating a canvas bag with hands dipped in paint.  Smith does not tutor Shannon, per se, but Shannon's English has improved over the years because they often read during the mentoring session.

During a session last month, Smith, who sported a white-and-silver crown of cropped hair, smilied warmly at Shannon as she chatted.

"She's cool," Shannon said of Smith.  "She makes me like school.  We get to talk about what I want to be whe I grow up."

And they also talk about Shannon's favorite sport which is basketball, what the latest song playing on the radio is, taking vacations and material things that Shannon would like to have.  But Smith is quick to remind Shannon that those things, such as nice clothes and trips, come with hard work and diligence.

"I want to instill in her the importance of school," Smith said. 

Providence Journal
Metro Edition, February 6, 2008

Providence Public School Activities

VIPS (Volunteers In Providence Schools) and the University of Rhode Island's College of the Environment & Life Sciences have teamed up to offer middle school students wildlife and environmental science activities. 

The sessions are free and space is limited.  Beginning Saturday, Feb. 16 through Saturday, April 5 (with no session on Saturday, Feb. 23), the sessions will meet from 1 to 4 p.m. at VIPS, 905 Westminster St.

The final session will conclude with a family trip to URI. Students will visit dorms, eat in the cafeteria and visit the College of the Environment & Life Sciences Building.

Early registration is recommended.  To register, call Irene Bates at (401) 274-3240 or, in Spanish, call Lucia at URI, at (401) 218-3070.  For information about VIPS, call 274-3240, or visit www.vips4kids.org

VIPS Executive Director Terri Adelman Receives Leadership Award

On Tuesday, November 27, the Pembroke Center Associates awarded Terri Adelman its Leadership for Change through Education Award at an evening ceremony at List Art Center on the Brown University campus.  According to Pembroke Center materials, "The Pembroke Center Associates, a group of alumnae who have long supported the Center and its programs, affirm their commitment to that educational mission through the establishment of an award recognizing Leadership for Change through Education.  The award honors women in any field who, both nationally and at the grassroots level, succeed in changing lives by helping others to see the world differently and offering new ways of thinking about seemingly unsolvable problems."

VIPS congratulates Terri Adelman for receiving this distinguished award that acknowledges her long-term dedication and commitment to helping our urban youth succeed.  VIPS received a $5,000 check from the Pembroke Center Associates and Terri  received a Certificate of Accomplishment from U.S. Senator Jack Reed.