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Though it is a new initiative for the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, it appears to be on the road to success, and success is what it is all about.
Mentor a Student Today, or MAST, is a component of the 21st TSC’s partnership program with the Kaiserslautern High School here and aims to enhance the intellectual, social and physical growth of its students. Lt. Col. Michael Cortez, the commander of the 21st TSC’s Special Troops Battalion, has noted success on two fronts.
“Our initial feedback has been very encouraging. We are having a positive impact in that the students are asking to see their mentors more frequently than we initially thought,” he said.
The response on the volunteer side is another plus. At the beginning of January when the program started, there were five mentors. “Now, by the end of the month we have 13 approved mentors and four more are processing their paperwork,” Colonel Cortez said.
Even so, he said, more mentors are needed, and Soldiers, Army civilians and family members are encouraged to volunteer. MAST mentors will be screened and matched according to their academic interests or strengths.
Though mentoring is primarily geared toward improving students’ academic achievement, it can also enhance their communication and social skills as well as provide guidance for decision making or problem solving skills.
“While we are mostly studying, I am also trying to get ‘my’ student to see beyond the now to the future. She is a senior who wants to go to art school. I want to see her graduate. I want to see her succeed,” said Capt. Sarah McInerney, the supply and logistics officer at the 21st TSC’s STB.
“The idea is to serve as an inspiration, as a positive role model, to the students. And, while we assist with their studies, we want to build up their grade point (average) and their self-esteem at the same time,” said Capt. Terrance Kratz, the commander of the STB’s Headquarters and Headquarters Company. On the professional front, it is important for the Soldiers to experience how their commitment and time can result in fairly significant improvements.
“It takes special people to do something to help others. This is their opportunity to live the Army value of selfless service and to give back to the community we live in,” Colonel Cortez said.
The MAST mentors, on the other hand, find each other to be a resource and inspiration. “We keep tabs on each other and ‘our’ students, exchange ideas and share helpful websites, etc.,” Captain McInerney said.
MAST mentoring takes place at the Kaiserslautern High School and requires a time commitment of one to two hours per week. The sessions are arranged to accommodate the students’ and the volunteers’ schedules.
For more information, call Colonel Cortez or Command Sgt. Maj. Clifton Lewis at 0631-413-607/7436 or 484-6073/7436.
