The Gift of Mentoring: Ridgefielders Nick & Alex Have a Lot in Common

Introduced through Role Model Mentors, Nick Squitieri, a high school senior, and Alex Boyar, in 6th grade, share a love of soccer. Nick was paired up as a sports mentor to Alex, who hopes to play varsity soccer one day. Alex says, “At our first meeting we kicked the ball around. It was a little awkward at first, but not for long.” That awkwardness is clearly gone as the two joke around like brothers while talking about their RMM experience.

Over the last couple months, Nick and Alex have worked together once a week on soccer skills. FIFA, a popular computer soccer game, is also a favorite activity. They both of course, claim to be the better player. Boys will be boys.

While it’s obvious they have fun together, they both agree that the take-away is about more than just soccer. Nick, in his final year of high school, enjoys playing the big brother role, teaching Alex about soccer and sharing insights on high school life. “It’s fun to pass along what I have learned. I wish I had someone to teach me what to expect in high school when I was Alex’s age.”

The two make time for each other no matter how busy their schedules. When asked if anything surprised him about his mentor, Alex said, “Nick took a six -hour college entrance exam and then met with me for our session. I thought that was great, that he still wanted to spend time with me after such a stressful morning. That meant a lot to me.”

Abigail Boyar, Alex’s mother adds, “Alex is really happy to spend an hour a week with Nick, who continues to be extremely kind, accountable and a great influence on our son.”

Role Model Mentors matches outstanding high school students with elementary and middle school students, based on shared interests and specific needs. In their weekly mentoring sessions, mentors offer younger kids a positive influence and a uniquely-tailored combination of activities, designed to boost skills and confidence in many areas of life.

Visit rolemodelmentors.com/enroll or call 1-800-485-6013 for a free consultation. Through a trial offer, your first mentoring session is free.

Photo by Annie Colao