of why the program works so well, and serves as a bridge builder
between students in both mainstream and special education
classes.
“I joined peer mentoring kind of on a whim,” said Sarah
Erickson, who is in her second year as a peer mentor, and serving
on the school’s student peer mentoring board. Erickson helped
facilitate the workshop with NSSRA. “I never thought I would
love it as much as I do. Last year I was a peer mentor in an English
class and part of a lunch group that met once a week,” Erickson
continued. “It soon became my favorite lunch of the week. I got
to know these kids and we became really good friends.”
NSSRA was founded in 1970 and serves over 1,500 children, teens
and adults with disabilities living in its partner communities
throughout the northern suburbs, including Glenview and
Northbrook. Offering hundreds of programs throughout the year,
NSSRA is dedicated to creating new experiences for participants,
and also to cultivating friendships. Partnering with GBS’ Peer
Mentoring program is the perfect opportunity to see that goal
come to life.
"Peer mentoring has been a
truly extraordinary experience
and I wouldn’t change it for anything."
On paper, there are official requirements for becoming a peer
mentor, things like attending class regularly, meeting with
their mentee and attending regular meetings outside of their
mentoring block. Mentors are evaluated and receive a letter
grade and credit for their time. Yet, the relationships that are
formed between students is really where the magic happens.
“It’s ended up impacting me a lot more than I thought it
would,” said Erickson. “One part that really surprised me was
how defensive I get about the kids. I think a lot of people think
jokes about special needs kids are funny, but when I hear
other students make jokes or comments, it really bothers me.
They are my friends and they are some of the most genuinely
caring people in this school. I’ve literally said things to random
kids and I know that if I ever heard one of my other friends say
something, I would talk to them. Peer mentoring has been a truly
extraordinary experience and I wouldn’t change it for anything.”
www.nssra.org
NSSRA IN THE COMMUNITY
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