C-U One-to-One mentoring program connects students with their community

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - C-U One-to-One is a unique program, connecting students with mentors over many years of their lives. Mentees are first connected with a mentor when they are between third and sixth grade. Their mentor sticks with them until they graduate high school.

"It creates a connection that the student wouldn't otherwise have with an adult who can show them other possibilities for their life that they did not think that were possible," said Jubal Croegaert, a volunteer and community involvement coordinator for several Unit 4 schools. "By pairing a student with a mentor who is a volunteer from the community, we can build up that student and change the trajectory of their life and their future and certainly, change the way they feel about themselves and about attending school each day."

Nathia Cotton met her mentor when she was in third grade. After three years of meeting, Cotton shared that they've developed a strong bond. When her mentor comes to visit once a week, the two often play games, talk about life and eat together.

She's often stopped by classmates in the hallway who ask how she was able to get a mentor. While many students are interested, Croegaert says the wait list for mentors is anywhere from 2 to 20 students dependent on schools. Cotton would like to see that changed.

"It could be one of the biggest changes of your life, because you can help a kid out that really needs that," Cotton said. "Even though you might have a life outside of work and stuff, and you have kids and you can still take time out of your day to make maybe a kid's day."

Myrick Anderson, a seventh grader, was paired with his mentor, Grant Ghighi, three years ago. The two say they are glad they were paired together because they are both outgoing. They spend their mentoring sessions playing basketball, although they've lately picked up playing chess.

"It's been really fun bringing somebody else along," said Ghighi. "So little stuff like teaching him chess and different games that I did as I kid that he might not have been exposed to yet is the best."

Anderson is excited to see how much taller he gets than Ghighi by the time he graduates. He plans to be able to out-play him in basketball by the time he gets to high school.

"He's probably a little bit better than me, especially with defense," said Anderson. "But as far as making plays and calling plays, I'm better."

C-U One-to-One is looking for mentors to partner with them. For more details on the program, you can check out their website.

1 person injured after stabbing in Decatur

Former CNN anchor Don Lemon arrested by federal authorities, his attorney says

Man now charged with murder in January Decatur shooting