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A Life-Changing Education: Lessons on Mentorship from a Milton Hershey School Houseparent

By Rachelle Barrs, MHS Houseparent 

Rachelle BarrsI wholeheartedly believe every child deserves a dependable and uplifting trusted adult to turn to for guidance and support. After joining the Milton Hershey School family as a flex houseparent in 2021, I quickly realized I wanted to extend my influence farther than the small group of students in the student homes I rotated through. When I heard about the Mentoring Our Leaders’ Development Program (M.O.L.D.), which pairs high school students with adult mentors, I immediately knew it was the perfect opportunity to make a greater impact and sought to join the effort.

Becoming a M.O.L.D. mentor has allowed me to give back to students in a way that is different from my role as a houseparent. As a Middle Division houseparent, I mentor and support approximately 8 to 12 middle school boys in my student home. Balancing my role as a houseparent and mentor might seem like a struggle, but I’ve found that providing constant support and creating shared experiences makes this work seamless. Often, I host my high school mentees for dinner or invite them to events. This time together helps strengthen connections with my mentees and gives the boys in my student home a chance to bond and learn from their older peers. 

In addition, M.O.L.D. creates countless opportunities for mentors and their mentees to connect through engaging and meaningful activities. From potlucks and holiday-themed events to community service projects, these moments allow us to bond further. No matter what we are doing, my mentees always love our time together, and I can see our relationships strengthen each day. 

The most recent student I was fortunate enough to mentor is Joshua “Ryan” Ryan. I was his flex houseparent during my first year at MHS. Little did I know, but my impact on his life inspired him to request me to be his M.O.L.D. mentor. In my student home, the boys’ nickname for Ryan is “Superman.” The name stems from a story I shared with them about how Ryan once ignored my advice not to bike down a steep hill and flew over his handlebars. Ryan uses that story to remind the boys to heed my warnings, turning his mistake into a teaching moment for them.

Rachelle Barrs and her Mentee in TV Special

Through it all, my experience in mentoring and houseparenting has allowed me to truly live out my belief that every child deserves to have a trusted adult to turn to in times of need. It is a privilege to be that person for so many students and a responsibility I carry with pride and gratitude. Based on my experience, I recommend that everyone consider becoming a mentor. Here is my advice on how to best support students: 

  1. Build a Strong Relationship: Being a mentor goes far beyond providing direction and offering advice. It is about building relationships grounded in trust, empathy, and shared moments of joy. My goal is to be someone they can reach out to if they need support, a listening ear, or even provide small comforts like warm soup on a day they feel under the weather.
  2. Be Flexible: One of the most useful skills a mentor can develop is flexibility. High school students often juggle numerous commitments, making it challenging to schedule time together. Working with their schedules and being understanding goes a long way when building a relationship with your mentee.
  3. Be an Active Listener: By truly listening to your mentee, you demonstrate that their thoughts and feelings matter, creating a safe space where they are comfortable confiding in you.
  4. Reach Out: Never underestimate the power of reaching out. Whether it’s a quick check-in, an invitation to connect, or merely a few words of encouragement, your effort shows that you care and that you are invested in their growth and success.  

Discover the Impact of Student Mentorship at MHS

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Watch Rachelle in the TV Special Below

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