Dear editor:

Each January many people look to make a change.

Sometimes they wish for better health or a leaner body and attempt to make a resolution to work toward that goal.

They may try to stop smoking. Others vow to de-clutter their lives and their homes.

This year you could make the decision that could make a difference in the life of a child.

January is National Mentoring Month and its importance is recognized by not only the president of the United States, but by educators, doctors, business people and those who have studied the impact even one caring adult can have.

Whether they decide to become a Big Brother or Big Sister, or spend a lunchtime with a child in a buddy program, the mentor is sure to also benefit from the experience.

Why wait to have a grandchild to spoil when there are boys and girls who don’t have anyone who has enough time to read to them?

Looking back to my own childhood, believe it or not, my mother’s Avon lady was a huge influence in my life and why I became an art major.

She commented on my drawings and encouraged me.

Her visits were probably made one or twice a month in the years I was between 11 and 13. They seem distant, yet I can almost smell her perfume samples and still see the little white lipstick samples.

Would you consider being a mentor?

It really isn’t a difficult process.

There are probably checks on your background to protect the children.

A caring adult can help a child be successful in school, in relationships and in life.

If you would like to learn more about mentoring please contact Debra Panozzo, adult volunteer coordinator at the Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan.

E-mail her at adult@volunteerswmi.org, or call 983-0912 or 683-5464, or visit www.volunteerswmi.org.

I doubt the Avon lady ever knew.

But I can assure you if you give a child some attention, listen to them and offer positive comments, they will respond in a good way.

Do it for the child, but you will also benefit.

The feeling you get every time you see their face light up is sure to warm your heart.

Marcia Steffens

Dowagiac