My Mentor: Cheerleader, Teacher, Friend

by Kayla Reesey
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After two months in the Peninsula Fellows program, I am processing a lot of new experiences and perspectives. I’m learning a lot about balancing work and life and how to implement my faith into my workday. Someone who has been a tremendous help with processing these new experiences is my mentor, Dawn. 

Each Fellow is given a mentor who challenges and cheers them on throughout the 9-month program. These mentors are willing members of Peninsula Community Chapel who have a heart for young adults and who are ready to dive deep and talk about what really matters with honesty and love.

Time with Dawn is so life-giving. She balances homeschooling some of her kids while investing in the lives of refugees on the Peninsula. The more we meet, the more I see how big her heart is for her family and community. Dawn and I get together once a week, usually at my favorite local coffee shop, and she eagerly asks me how I’m doing, like how I’m really doing. When we’re having a good week we rejoice together, and when we’re struggling we talk through it together. 

​I’m in a unique situation where I have the opportunity to work three part-time jobs; I am an Administrative Assistant for Young Life, an IT Specialist for Summit Christian Academy, and a Team Leader for the 56 Ministry at Peninsula Community Chapel. Despite the flexibility that these jobs offer, I’ve recently been struggling to balance the workload. 

During our meetings, Dawn listens patiently and offers much-appreciated advice. After I described my work-balance situation, she was able to help put my issue into words. She noticed I’ve been overwhelmed in my work and this actually led me to procrastination. While yes, this was very convicting, it was exactly what I needed to hear: I wasn’t using my time well. It was a reality check I wouldn’t have been able to accept on my own. We then jumped into how I can combat my urge to procrastinate. Dawn helped me create practical steps, like rearranging my work schedule to set myself up for success. Now she holds me accountable each week about these new habits.

Every time we meet, it’s more and more apparent why the Lord paired us together. Although we are in different stages of life, there’s something very special about learning similar life lessons while serving the same gracious God. I am so thankful for this new friend, who is patient and straight forward, yet perfectly encouraging. 

About the Author
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Kayla graduated from Christopher Newport University in December 2017 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Information Systems. Her hometown is Stafford, Virginia, but has remained on the Virginia Peninsula since college graduation. She is an administrative assistant for Young Life, IT Specialist for Summit Christian Academy, and Team Leader for 56 Ministry at PCC. Her favorite pastime is watching Youtube videos.

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