In the Spotlight: IISTL Youth Mentoring Participant
By Marisa Tesoro
A participant in the International Institute’s Youth Mentoring program is graduating with her pick of schools and scholarship offers
When Rahma began participating in IISTL’s Youth Mentoring program in June 2019, she hardly could have known what would happen nearly three years later: That she would be finishing up her time at Gateway STEM. That she would be accepted to the University of Missouri St. Louis (UMSL), St. Louis University (SLU), and Lindenwood and awaiting responses from other universities.
And on top of those acceptances, that she would receive merit scholarship offers from each school.
Just that much of her story would already warrant praise and admiration. But all this was achieved amidst tremendous hardship.
Rahma’s parents died in Burundi, and upon arrival in St. Louis about three years ago, Rahma and her younger sister were adopted by her older brother and sister.
“They have no family ties here, and they work 50-60 hours a week to support the family,” Katherine Schoeberle, IISTL’s Teen Program Coordinator, said in an email. ”Rahma has shown incredible resiliency and amazing success.”
We couldn’t agree more, and we’re so grateful IISTL’s Youth Mentoring program exists to provide support for such driven, dedicated and determined young people such as Rahma.
Whatever school she ends up choosing will be lucky to have her. Stay tuned for more updates about Rahma as she continues on this journey.
If you’re looking to get involved with IISTL’s Teen Program, they’re looking for volunteer tutors for their after-school tutoring program.
January 27 – May 19
Monday – Thursday, 3:45 PM – 5:30 PM
Volunteers must commit to tutoring 1 – 2 days each week
Volunteers will tutor individual students, small groups, and help with homework
Volunteers may lead recreational activities
In-person and online tutoring opportunities