My experience with the BELL Program has been amazing. I worked with students with intellectual disabilities in high school and I am glad that I am able to participate in an opportunity like this. The first few weeks of class we did not work with our mentees but we got to know them a little. Working with my mentee, I knew from the beginning that it was going to be a challenge. At first I was a little nervous. I have come to find that I actually work well with her. This has been a learning process where she has learned what I will take and what I will not. I have also learned her limits in the classroom and outside of the classroom. I have yet to have a problem with her closing me out. I believe this is partly due to the class discussions we have when the BELL students are not with us. Having the class one day without the students is beneficial. I have been able to go to the other mentors for advice on how to deal with certain situations with my mentee. Not only is the BELL Program amazing and a great learning experience for the students who are in, but it is an amazing experience for me as well.
Mikaela
