Each quarter, Project MARS/AmeriCorps collects “Great Stories” from its members in which they reflect on their experiences mentoring in the classroom and the progress they see students making. This month’s story comes from Katie Newsome.
My experience with Project MARS has felt like a “Great Story” within itself. I spend each day learning
and forming new connections with students that were not present before. The most memorable
interaction I have encountered so far while serving was a conversation with me and a seventh-grader.
The student and I were walking back to class from lunch and asks, “Miss Katie, you aren’t going to leave
us, right? A lot of people have come into the classroom and never returned.” In that moment I realized
the true impact Project MARS members have on their students. I vowed to always be there as a mentor,
teacher, and friend. The experience taught me that being present and consistent for my students is the
base expectation in my service year, but the most appreciated action.
