Oregon ChalleNGe pair show how to make the most of mentoring
By: Lauren Bryar, NCI Staff Writer
Mike Nichols sounds like a proud parent when he informs mentor coordinator, Joel Garibay, of former ChalleNGe Cadet Ivan Snegirev's post graduation success. "Ivan is doing amazingly well… I am thrilled at what has happened in Ivan's life," Nichols writes.
Snegirev graduated from the Oregon Youth ChalleNGe Program in 2005 and hasn't looked back since. He graduated with honors from boot camp on January 6th of this year as a Private First Class Marine. Although Nichols and Snegirev weren't allowed to talk by phone during Ivan's time at boot camp, they met up shortly after graduation and neither seemed to miss a beat.
"While at boot camp he was made squad leader and then guide." Nichols reports, "He did so well that he was recognized as his Platoon Honor Man."
Although it may not always be easy for Nichols and Snegirev to remain in contact, as Ivan is currently attending Camp Pendleton, in California, receiving Advanced Infantry Training for the next two months, Nichols seems confident that their relationship will remain strong, no matter the time or distance.
"Our mentor/cadet relationship has really gone beyond that to a friendship. Our friendship will continue… far beyond the one year the OYCP asks," Nichols writes. Snegirev has apparently renewed friendships and relationships at home, as well. Since graduating from boot camp, Snegirev convinced two friends who were "going nowhere in their lives" to enlist in the marines. Snegirev's relationships with his parents have become increasingly supportive and positive since his graduation, as well.
Nichols, though unabashedly enthused by Snegirev's accomplishments, doesn't seem to take much credit in Ivan's success. "I feel it is important for you to know the powerful affect that you and the staff at OYCP have had in Ivan's life" Nichols praises Garibay. "Congratulations to you and all the staff at OYCP."
Nichols' great contributions, however, do not go unnoticed either– he's doing everything right according to the mentoring guidelines set forth in mentoring.org's "Elements of Effective Practice." Nichols' continued dedication to create a long-lasting and increasingly flexible relationship with Snegirev will help to ensure the relationship is as effective as possible.
Ivan is currently specializing in Security Forces, guarding and protecting embassies and other U.S. posts and is scheduled to be promoted to Lance Corporal in March.