A weekly mentor helped Eva find confidence and a path towards law

Eva was nervous about meeting a stranger when her guidance teacher suggested mentoring. Now in her final year of Scottish secondary school, she describes the difference made by having someone who listens.

Through MCR Pathways, she met Suzanne while in S3. A shared interest in The Vampire Diaries helped them connect. After several weekly meetings, Eva felt able to open up rather than carry every worry alone.

The charity asks volunteers for an hour each week. Its mentor preparation includes an interview, references, background checks, training and a safeguarding module. No previous mentoring qualification is required.

Eva's experience is individual testimony, so it cannot establish what every pupil will gain. Her hoped-for career in law is still ahead of her, and leaving school brings new uncertainties.

She is already studying Highers and Advanced Highers alongside a college legal studies course. Suzanne has offered encouragement and careers guidance, and they plan to stay in touch: a reliable relationship helping the next step feel less lonely.

Sources

• The Scotsman — Football kits to future careers: Groundbreaking mentoring scheme for young people makes it mark
• MCR Pathways — Become a mentor