[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 14 (Thursday, February 10, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E223]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  SUPPORTING NATIONAL MENTORING MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                  in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 8, 2005

  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 46, a 
resolution recognizing National Mentoring Month.
  Across this country, millions of needy children wait patiently for 
mentors who will spend time with them, guide them and open the doors of 
opportunity for them.
  Last week I rose on this Floor to speak of a resolution I introduced 
with my colleague--Congressman Tom Osborne from Nebraska--recognizing 
Big Brothers Big Sisters, our nation's most prominent mentoring 
organization. I spoke of my experiences as a Big Brother and the 
rewards that it has brought to me. Almost two decades after accepting 
the responsibility of being a Big Brother to another, I can tell you 
that it continues to be one of the most meaningful experiences of my 
life.
  Eighteen years ago, I walked into the Big Brothers of Greater Los 
Angeles and I was matched with a young man, then 7 years old, named 
David. We started out going to the beach, the movies, roller skating 
and going to the park, or reading or talking with each other. He would 
criticize my taste in music, and I would tolerate his. We would spend 
time just catching up on each other's lives; and we became in a very 
short space of time, true brothers to each other. Now for almost two 
decades we have shared in each other's successes and failures and 
trials and tribulations. We have become family.
  I cannot speak from the point of view of a mentee, but I can speak 
from the point of view of a mentor about how it has enriched my life. I 
encourage all Americans to pursue mentoring opportunities in their 
communities. Few things you will ever do will mean so much to another 
and to yourself.
  David would have done well under any circumstance; but there are 
many, many young people who really need the benefit of a mentor, need 
the benefit of someone in their lives to help them gain direction, gain 
a sense of self-worth and a sense of purpose.

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