October 24th - October 25th

This week was a short week here at North. This week we discussed fear for two days. We discussed our own fears, as well as how our fears hold us back and keep us from achieving our goals or taking us outside our comfort zone.  On the last day of discussing our fears, students were given a quote about fear and had to act out what this quote means.  Overall this was a fun but short week!

Oct 17th- Oct 21st

This week students reflected on Domestic Violence Awareness Month by discussing what do healthy relationships look like, as well as how to identify the cycle of abuse in their relationships.  As we talked about signs that a relationship is in the cycle of abuse, students began to  domestic violence and why it is important to talk about, as well as why it is important to seek help if these unhealthy signs are becoming prevalent in their relationships.

On Tuesday the mentor leaders co-taught a college lesson with our college navigator, Emily. Students did a true or false on financial aid quiz, as well as played a BINGO game of finding student who were interested in a STEM degree, applied to college, or have visited a college campus this year.

We will end the week by discussing FEAR. Overall we had another successful week here at North!

Leonel, Mentor leader giving Fatuma her mentee's grades 

October 10th- 14th

This week the students in YESS discussed Trust. Why is trust important? Who do you trust and why? And who trusts you? We discussed the building blocks of trust and how this is fundamental in healthy relationships, especially mentorships.

We also did a powerful lesson called "The Power of Choosing Your Thoughts". This lesson is about making positive choices and how we can learn from the negative choices we have made in life.

During the week we had a wonderful visit from the YESS College Navigator, Emily. She was able to help students get started on their common application, as well as prepare a personal essay.

October 3rd- 7th

This week the mentors had mentor training. Mentors discussed ways to talk to mentees so that mentees can fill more supported, as well as discussed ways to earn their mentee's trust.  Mentor training will happen on the first Monday of each month. During this time the mentors can discuss problems or issues they may have with their mentee as well as learn tools that will help their mentee be successful.

This week the students learned what their hot buttons are, and ways they can use their hot button to empower themselves. Students reflected on what makes them angry or upset, and how can they better handle the situation next time someone is trying to push their hot buttons.

This was the first week that mentor leaders taught class. It was amazing to see mentors asking mentor leaders for help and advice. Overall, this was another successful week in YESS!

Mentor leaders teaching the class about "Hot Buttons".