Nicole Eckstrom, a dedicated volunteer, has shared her experiences and insights from five years of mentoring local youth through the STARS Mentoring program. As her children became more independent, Eckstrom sought new opportunities to engage with her community. Her search led her to the STARS program, where she was matched with her first mentee, Lily Hammann, who was just 10 years old at the time.
Initially, Eckstrom and Hammann met weekly, participating in various outdoor activities. Eckstrom noted that many children spend their school days indoors, so she made a conscious effort to engage Hammann with nature. They enjoyed kayaking, biking, snowshoeing, learning archery, and playing pickleball. One of Eckstrom’s fondest memories is of the campfires they built together. Every spring, they also participate in community service by cleaning up litter in a nearby park.
As Hammann has grown older, now 15 years old, their discussions have evolved. Eckstrom has introduced topics such as job applications and interview preparation. “A key component to the mentoring is skill building,” Eckstrom emphasized. Recently, she taught Hammann how to sew, which enabled her to showcase a sewing project at the county fair. “That’s the development of a hobby that can last a lifetime,” Eckstrom explained.
In addition to recreational activities, the STARS program provides mentors with resources and discussion prompts covering various important topics. These include healthy living, stress management, mental health, and dealing with bullying and substance use. Eckstrom believes that being a mentor is a vital way to support youth. “A mentor sharing their time and positive lifestyle habits can have lifelong impacts on their mentees,” she said.
According to Watsana Thiravong, the executive director of STARS Mentoring, the program currently has 19 mentees paired with 17 mentors, with some mentors working with multiple youths. There are also 10 mentees on the waiting list, highlighting a pressing need for more mentors.
Thiravong and Eckstrom both encourage anyone aged 18 or older who has graduated from high school to consider becoming a mentor. Interested individuals can find more information on the STARS Mentoring website at starsforkids.org or by calling 507-383-5272. Eckstrom emphasized that mentoring does not require a significant time commitment, suggesting just a few hours a month can make a meaningful difference.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to share experiences and help foster a sense of community,” Eckstrom concluded. The STARS Mentoring program continues to seek passionate individuals who want to make a positive impact on the lives of young people.
