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Pueblo student shares how United Way Mentoring program changed his life

Posted at 4:00 AM, Oct 18, 2018
and last updated 2018-10-18 11:26:59-04

PUEBLO – You can make a big difference in a student’s life and it only takes one hour per week.

Pueblo’s United Way is looking for volunteers for their mentorship program. It’s a great way to give back and really leave an impact on a student’s life.

We spoke to one mentor and mentee about just how much this partnership has meant to them.

“He’s taught me self-esteem and respect and to stay focused and on track,” said Danvid Canco about his mentor.

David is an 8th grader with dreams of becoming a chef.

“When my mom was younger she always used to cook with my grandma and so I kind of wanted to carry it on,” explained David.

Before he can get to work in the kitchen, he’s set his sights on serving up success in the classroom. That’s where Dax Charles, Head Wrestling Coach at CSU Pueblo stepped in.

“He was a new role model for me,” explained David, “but now he’s like my father.”

The duo spend an hour per week together playing basketball, doing homework or just having lunch.

“There’s a whole gamut of things that you can work with your mentee with,” said Dax, “but the most valuable thing is just being there.”

“I don’t know how to explain it but he’s important because he’s helped me since 6th with school work and everything,” added David.

If you’d like to make a difference than this could be the program for you. Here’s how it works! You can apply here. Each mentor is paired with a middle school student and serves as a positive role model and friend during the year.

They’re still short on volunteers and the deadline to apply is the end of the month.