Transparency

Chapter 2

"Amari Wilson," I said aloud. This is my mentee's name. I still have no idea what I am supposed to do with an undergraduate student in engineering, but oh well. I can give this a try. Yesterday, was the Mentor/Mentee meet-up and he didn't even show up. So I'm curious how this will go. We are meeting in the commons today for our first session. Starbucks is the perfect place for this. I had picked up a strawberry acai lemonade refresher and I was ready to start this meeting.

As I waited I decided to read one of my books for class. It's only the second week in the semester, and I was already stressed. This is typical of social work majors though. Even though we may not be a STEM Major, we still get slammed with work and reading, especially reading.

"Amari" I heard the barista shout. I just wanted to see who he actually was. Then I saw him walk up. He was chocolate, looked to be about 6'3 or 6'4, deep waves, and dimples. That's the perfect height for us 5'7 and up girls. He was wearing sweatpants and a t-shirt. I definitely felt overdressed. He's not bad looking. He looks so awkward just standing there. Let me go get him, so we can start this meeting.

"Hi, Amari Wilson?" I questioned.

"Yeah, wassup?" he questioned.

"I'm Monroe, I'm your mentor." I said.

"Oh that's wassup." He said and he just continued to stand there.

"Well, you wanna come sit down so we can get this started?" I asked him.

"Sure, I guess." He said.

We headed over to where my stuff was and we sat down.

"Sorry, about my stuff being in the way." I said.

"It's cool." He said.

"So why don't you tell me a little about yourself." I said to him.

"Alright, I'm Amari Wilson. I'm from here in Richmond. I'm 28 years old. I want to be an engineer." He said.

"Okay, all of that sounds great." I said.

"Yeah, why don't you tell me about you?" he said.

"Okay, I'm Monroe. I'm from southern, virginia. I am in grad school for social work. I have a passion for it. I'm 21 years old." I said.

"Alright cool. You a baby." he said.

"No, I'm not." I said back to him.

"Yeah, I'm not a traditional student. You would think they would've placed me with someone that know what they are doing" he said rolling his eyes.

"Hey, I'm not being rude to you. They obviously paired you with me for a reason right?" I asked him.

"Yeah, but how are you supposed to help me? I'm having grown man problems." he snarled.

"Well look I understand that I'm younger than you, but that doesn't mean that I don't know what I'm doing." I said

"Well what are you doing?" he asked.

"Well I'm trying to mentor you, but you won't even give me a chance." I said.

"You know what. This shit ain't even worth. I'd rather deal with my bullshit alone than have some little ass kid try to "help" me." and with that He got up and left the table.

I tried not to look embarrassed, but I really was. I knew people at other tables were starring at me. I just packed up my stuff and left. I am definitely going by the office of student engagement today. I have never had a mentee to react like he did. This really makes me wonder whats going on in his life for him to be such an asshole.

Phone: Email from Mrs. Carmen

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Monroe,

If you are still in the area could you please stop by my office. I need to speak with you.

-Mrs. Carmen

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Luckily, I was right across the road so I wouldn't have to walk far. I headed into the building and straight for the office. I'm sure Amari beat me there to complain about me being a "little ass kid" in his words.

"Ahh Monroe, please join us in my office. " she said.

"uh sure." I said. Amari was sitting in one of the chairs looking at his phone.

"Amari, this is Monroe. Monroe, this is Amari." she said.

"We've met." I said.

"I know you have. " She said.

"Amari, I need for you to understand that Monroe is the best mentor for you. She comes highly recommended. I am sure that she is able to mentor you. I know that your guard is up because of what you've been through, but just give her a chance." she said.

"I don't feel like she's gonna understand my situation." He said.

"Amari, let me tell you something about social workers they understand a lot of situations. Coming from experience this is one of the only mentors that I felt would welcome you with open arms. This may not be her job, but I can tell that she will take it seriously." She said.

"I guess." He said.

"Look Amari, I don't know what you've been through, but as your mentor I want to support and be there for you. In and outside of mentorship roles if you are okay with that. This isn't a social work role, so I won't be acting as your social worker. " I said.

"So are you willing to give her a try?" said Mrs. Carsen.

"Yeah, I guess." He said.

"Okay, I'm excited to see how you all will get through this semester." She said.

After that Amari got up and left.

"Monroe, please be patient with him. He's been through so much in his 25 years of life. His guard is definitely up. I have a good feeling about this." She said.

"So what did he go through?" I asked her.

"Honey, you're gonna have to wait until he tells you yourself." She said.

What do yall think Amari has been through?