Mia (left) with her student Kim

Why did you become a mentor with CfY?

I wanted to do something that had me think about someone other than myself. I’m single, with no kids and I felt like my life was self-serving. CfY was perfect.

How has the experience changed you?

CfY helped me to see others in their lens. At the minimum, understanding my lens is different and finding compassion. The workshop sessions are very well thought-out to help the mentors navigate through the program. Many of the lessons I still use in my daily life.

What’s your most favorite memory of CfY?

It was the privilege-wheel exercise with other mentors. We answered a series of questions that moved us back and forth on the spectrum of ‘privilege’. I enjoyed the open discussion from our diverse group. To me this is how change in the world begins.

For my student, it was taking her to the Cirque du Soleil show. I kept asking people to take our pictures and going up to different parts of the stage to get great shots. She said, “You’re so bold, I’d never ask that.” It was then I saw it clicked in her to live fearlessly.