The Power of Mentorship

Sophia Troiani ’25 is one of our USF Rising Youth Mentors! Moving from Texas to California, she found her drive to give back and empower our communities. Pursuing her Psychology degree while minoring in Public Service and Community Engagement, Sophia has left a mark on our community by giving our mentees an insight into their future.

The USFRising Youth Mentorship Program is not just about tutoring; it’s about cultivating a nurturing environment where middle school students can explore their potential and envision a future filled with opportunity. I am currently in my senior year at USFCA pursuing a Major in Psychology and a Minor in Public Service and Community Engagement. Growing up, I always felt a passion for education and community service. My focus has always been to engage in extracurricular activities that focus on leadership and volunteerism. My path to this mentorship program, the USF Rising Youth Mentorship, was ignited by a desire to make a meaningful impact here in San Francisco. Carla Trujillo, the previous youth mentorship coordinator, has been a blessing to work with. Her enthusiasm and passion for mentorship inspired me to immerse myself in this rewarding endeavor. Over the summer, I was able to voice my ideas for the program with Carla. I felt that my voice truly made a difference. I assisted her in developing a PowerPoint presentation for the program and gave feedback on field trip ideas for the students and mentors. 

I am originally from Texas and found myself missing a network and a sense of greater purpose here in my community. I have found that the program fosters a strong sense of community among USF students. By stepping into mentorship roles, we not only help shape the futures of middle school students but also establish a professional network of like-minded individuals committed to public service. Being connected to your community is priceless, and throughout the year, I felt more connected and aligned with my peers. 

“Being a part of the mentorship and seeing the students grow with us reaffirms the impact we can have when we come together with a shared purpose.”

This program partners with Booker T. Washington Community Center. The program aims to bridge the educational gap for underserved students who may not have the same resources as their peers. Our goal is to empower students through activities designed to engage and activate their creative and analytical thinking. Our goal is to not only be a role model but to help facilitate learning. By ensuring each session is lively and implementing creativity to make learning fun, we help foster their independence and instill the value of education. 

 Students have become more dependent on technology and the program allows students to socialize and engage with peers and mentors through interactive activities that promote conversation and learning. A regular day on sight consists of being with the middle school class helping Booker T. staff serve meals for the kids and making sure they’re on track for school. We develop fun activities either in the class or during recess in the gym to help stimulate the student’s memory, critical thinking, and social skills. 

One of the highlights of this year was the creation of a Dance Competition. Staff and students implemented this idea and brought it to life. The mentors, mentees, and Booker T. staff split up into groups to develop choreography. This collaborative effort not only allowed the students to express their creativity but promoted teamwork and served as a fun way to improve their memory and coordination as they learned and practiced dance routines. Dancing and kinesthetic activities promote physical coordination and increase brain function and emotional well-being. It was amazing to see that this competition helped boost self-esteem, as some of the more timid students really gave it their all. Due to the amazing efforts, all participants received participation awards. Sharing experiences like these with the students is a beautiful reminder of the importance of joy in learning.

 The impact of our mentorship is evident in the stories of individual students. One student, who initially struggled with time management and confidence, blossomed through the support of the mentorship program. Throughout the program, he not only improved academically but also took on leadership roles in campus organizations and had his artwork showcased at the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA). This type of transformation exemplifies the profound difference that a supportive community can make in a young person’s life. Community support such as this mentorship program can encourage a student to change the trajectory of their life. Seeing students succeed is amazing and inspiring for us as mentors to actively be better as well. We grow as we navigate helping others and see the impact come to fruition.

As I reflect on this journey, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to serve Booker T. Washington Community Center and its students. The experiences I’ve had with the mentees have inspired me to continue working towards community engagement programs that encourage students to make positive changes in their lives. I encourage my fellow students at USF to consider getting involved in mentorship programs like this one. Together, we can empower the next generation to reach their full potential and create a brighter future for all.

 Are you interested in helping the next generation see their full potential? Visit here to find out how you can become one of our USFRising Youth Mentors!