Mentorship That Moves Mountains: Stories of Guidance and Growth

“I thought I was just a student. My mentor showed me I was a leader.”
— Abigail N., Maryville Scholar

In the journey of education, academics are only half the story. For many students supported by The Maryville Foundation, it’s the mentorship they receive that truly shapes their future. More than funding tuition, our mission is to build the next generation of confident, purpose-driven leaders — and mentorship is the bridge between potential and purpose.

🟠 Why Mentorship Matters

When students come from low-income or unstable backgrounds, they often lack role models who can guide them beyond textbooks. They need more than school fees — they need someone who says, “I’ve been where you are, and you can rise too.”

That’s where our mentors step in.

Each Maryville scholar is paired with a dedicated mentor — a professional, teacher, or experienced volunteer who offers:

• Guidance on academic decisions and career paths

• Emotional and spiritual support

• Accountability and encouragement

• A safe space to ask questions and grow

It’s not just mentorship. It’s transformation.

🟢 Abigail’s Story: From Doubt to Determination

Abigail was the first in her family to make it past junior high school. When she received a Maryville scholarship, she was thrilled — but overwhelmed. “I felt I didn’t belong at university,” she said.

Her mentor, Auntie Joyce, met with her weekly. They spoke about stress, faith, self-worth, and the fear of failure. By her second semester, Abigail had become a class rep, confidently presenting in front of peers. She now mentors younger girls in her church and volunteers with The Maryville Foundation.

“I used to think mentorship was just advice. Now I know it’s someone who walks with you until you can run.”

🔵 Kwame: Building Confidence, One Step at a Time

Kwame was quiet and withdrawn when he first joined the program. His grades were solid, but he lacked confidence. His mentor, Uncle Ben, saw potential in him — and nurtured it with patient conversations and weekly check-ins.

Today, Kwame is interning at a local tech firm, speaks at high school events, and is considering starting a youth coding club. “Mentorship didn’t change who I was. It revealed who I could be.”

🟣 The Ripple Effect

What’s beautiful about mentorship at The Maryville Foundation is that it creates a cycle of empowerment. Many of our alumni return to become mentors themselves — guiding the next generation with wisdom, empathy, and purpose.

“I knew I was making a difference the day my mentee told me she got accepted into university. It felt like both of us had won.”
— Joseph, Alumni Mentor

💡 You Can Be the Spark

Mentorship is not about having all the answers. It’s about showing up, listening, and believing in someone’s future. If you’ve ever wished you could do something meaningful — this is your moment.

👉 Become a mentor today and help move a mountain in someone’s life.