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Community Corner

Northboro Mentor Helps Ugandan American Student Achieve Success

Vicky Nkinzi, 17, of Framingham, is a first generation American who aspires to become an obstetrician. Her parents immigrated to the United States from Uganda to pursue jobs that would provide their children with more opportunities. Often sheltered from traditions, foods and experiences that were considered a way of life for her American peers, Nkinzi and her four siblings grew up in a household that was centered on strong family values and the beliefs of the Ugandan church. Consequently, Nkinzi stayed close to home and focused on her studies. She was intelligent and had all the potential to succeed, but needed exposure to a larger world.

Then she met her mentor, Donna Mollin, 69, of Northboro, through the John Andrew Mazie Memorial Foundation (JAMMF) who challenged her to go outside of her comfort zone. Now, not only has she developed an array of new hobbies and interests, she also scored in the highest percentile on her MCAS, earning herself a full ride to any Massachusetts state college of her choice. She has applied to 11 schools and will decide where she wants to go within the next two months. In June, she will graduate from Framingham High School with honors.

JAMMF is a nonprofit organization that operates the Mazie Mentoring Program and is dedicated to transforming at-risk or disadvantaged youth into adults of promise. Founded in 1998, the unique goal-oriented scholarship award giving program pairs high school sophomores, who may lack parental guidance, financial resources or emotional support at home, with adult volunteer mentors who can help them thrive.

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Mollin, a retired elementary school teacher, cooking teacher, interior designer, artist and mother of two, was looking for a volunteer opportunity that would serve a greater purpose beyond fulfilling a personal desire to get more involved in her community. In the fall of 2011, she was matched with Nkinzi and immediately saw a young woman who was bright but shy and needed to build her confidence. The duo began to meet every other week to work on Nkinzi’s homework, visit museums, cook, go out to eat, craft, watch movies, volunteer and talk about what was going on in each of their lives. Some of Mollin’s proudest accomplishments include: exposing Vicky to other cultures and ways of life, such as Jewish holiday traditions and exotic and ethnic foods, helping her to choose a makeup regime and exploring the college research process. On May 12, Mollin will be one of those honored during the Mazie Mentoring Program’s mentor recognition dinner, an annual event that celebrates mentor’s relationships and successes with their graduating mentees.

“When I first met Vicky, she was shy and extremely focused on her studies, however, it was clear to me that she needed to expand her horizons if she was going to accomplish her goal: to get into college to become a doctor,” says Mollin. “As we got to know each other, we realized we have a lot in common and her enthusiasm and humor have shined through as her confidence grows and her interests continue to multiply. She has become a much more well-rounded person.”

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Nkinzi was inspired to enter the medical field by her mother, who works nights and weekends as a nurse. Her favorite TV shows are Call the Midwife and House and her time spent babysitting her nieces and nephews has helped her to develop a passion for working with children. Her father works hard as an accountant. She credits her mentor and the Mazie Mentoring Program for providing her with an outlet outside of her family to expose her to a wealth of knowledge that goes beyond what she learns in the classroom.

“To have a mentor is to have a guide that is better than a friend, who is there to help you and has your best interests at heart,” says Nkinzi. “Donna is usually that other voice I hear when I am in a situation where I need to weigh my options before making a decision. She gives me advice in different areas when I’m struggling and is a great supporter of my dreams.”

In the last 16 years, the Mazie Mentoring Program has helped more than 500 young people go on to lead more fulfilled and successful lives while inspiring the adult volunteer mentors who work with them.  Each year, 60 Framingham and Waltham High School students are accepted into the program. More than 90 percent of those students graduate from high school and more than 70 percent go on to college or other post-secondary training programs.

Currently, the Mazie Mentoring Program is selling raffle tickets to support the Maze scholarships awarded to mentee graduates. To enter to win a number of prizes, ranging in value from $100 to $420, including but not limited to Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics and New England Patriots tickets, an iPad mini and gift cards to local restaurants and stores, click here. Winners will be drawn on June 30. For more information about the Mazie Mentoring Program, to become a mentor, or to support the John Andrew Mazie Memorial Foundation, visit www.mazie.org. Applications for volunteer mentors are always gratefully accepted.

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