A strong commitment to citizenship, volunteering, and pro-bono work are core dimensions of the ethos here in the Washington D.C. office. This is reflected in Edelman D.C. employees' decade-long relationship with the after-school program, Higher Achievement, which is founded on the reality that “talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not.” Higher Achievement works to close the opportunity gap during middle school years through academic enrichment, homework support, mentorship, and social-emotional skill building.
Since October, I have been a mentor to a group of five smart, boisterous, and curious sixth graders- all of whom are taller than I am and remind me of this constantly. We meet for an hour each week where I listen to the highs and lows of their days, provide homework support (Algebra aside), and guide them through Higher Achievement curriculum ranging from creating group expectations to designing a community action project. Here is what I’ve learned from my mentoring experience so far:
We have just as much to learn from kids as kids have to learn from us
Outside of teaching me the newest TikTok dances, students remind me of the simplest truths about humanity that we adults often overlook. When creating our mentoring group’s set of norms, principles including respect, active listening, kindness, open-mindedness, and creating a safe space to ask questions were expectations that the scholars viewed as non-negotiable for our community. Their commitment to these principles of human decency reminded me that our willingness to uphold these values should be just as strong at work, at home, and with the strangers we encounter daily.
Be an askable adult
During new mentor training, Higher Achievement staff emphasized that it is okay for us not to have all the answers. Rather than pretend to be omniscient, we are encouraged to share when we don’t know an answer to a question, whether it be about a lesson or life. Sometimes, there can be more power in expressing curiosity and vulnerability about what you don’t know than feigning knowledge you don’t truly have. Creating a space to ask questions, challenge pre-existing beliefs, and learn from one another is central to fostering an environment of belonging.
Take the time to celebrate those around you
Higher Achievement closes each mentoring session with scholar shoutouts that are given to students, mentors, and staff. After the shoutout is given, the individual who is recognized is asked, “how do you want to be celebrated today?” Options include singing the “Tony the Tiger” theme song or “We Will Rock You” on repeat until the group cracks up laughing. This ritual is a helpful reminder of how the simplest forms of gratitude can have a significant impact on morale. And if you are ever stuck on how to show your appreciation, you can always ask, “how do you want to be celebrated today?”
My aim is for the lessons above to transcend the walls of Higher Achievement. It is never too late to lead with humanity, curiosity, and gratitude.
Zoey Lieberman is a Research Analyst for Edelman DxI.
