Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 46, a resolution recognizing National Mentoring Month.
Across this country, millions of needy children wait patiently for mentors who will spend time with them, guide them and open the doors of opportunity for them.
Last week I rose on this Floor to speak of a resolution I introduced with my colleague--Congressman TOM OSBORNE from Nebraska--recognizing Big Brothers Big Sisters, our nation's most prominent mentoring organization. I spoke of my experiences as a Big Brother and the rewards that it has brought to me. Almost two decades after accepting the responsibility of being a Big Brother to another, I can tell you that it continues to be one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.
Eighteen years ago, I walked into the Big Brothers of Greater Los Angeles and I was matched with a young man, then 7 years old, named David. We started out going to the beach, the movies, roller skating and going to the park, or reading or talking with each other. He would criticize my taste in music, and I would tolerate his. We would spend time just catching up on each other's lives; and we became in a very short space of time, true brothers to each other. Now for almost two decades we have shared in each other's successes and failures and trials and tribulations. We have become family.
I cannot speak from the point of view of a mentee, but I can speak from the point of view of a mentor about how it has enriched my life. I encourage all Americans to pursue mentoring opportunities in their communities. Few things you will ever do will mean so much to another and to yourself.
David would have done well under any circumstance; but there are many, many young people who really need the benefit of a mentor, need the benefit of someone in their lives to help them gain direction, gain a sense of self-worth and a sense of purpose.