Mentoring Matters- Rick Helps Teens Thrive - SHIM

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Mentoring Matters- Rick Helps Teens Thrive

Volunteer Rick BloomAt SHIM’s Youth Mentoring program, caring adults step in to guide students academically and socially, acting as role models and providing opportunities to which students may otherwise lack access. Our mentors help students complete homework, guide them in enriching activities, and offer a welcoming space for teens to be themselves.

One of our newest mentors is South Hills resident Rick. Originally from the Albany, NY area, Rick moved to Pittsburgh with his wife Susan in 1978. As a die-hard Pittsburgh Pirates fan, he enjoyed witnessing their World Series win in 1979!

Rick’s career as a systems analyst and computer programmer with major corporations took him across the globe, including stints in Texas, England, and Ohio, before ultimately bringing him back to Pittsburgh. While working for PPG, Rick got an MBA and transitioned into financial analysis and data analysis for large corporations.

After working as a freelancer for several years during the pandemic, Rick decided to retire. While he loved freedom from work, he missed the stimulation of working with others. After a friend told him that SHIM was looking for tutors, Rick decided to learn more about the organization and the volunteer opportunities helping kids.

Many of the students we serve in our youth programs come from non-native English-speaking households. They face additional hurdles seeking help with homework, and math tends to be one of their most challenging subjects. Lucky for us, Rick loves math!

“I had a math teacher who told us ‘math is a game, and I’m going to teach you how to play it’. That really got me excited to learn.”

Rick was very interested in finding a role that aligned with his skillset. Inspired by his mother, who was a teacher, Rick decided to try tutoring. He had a little experience tutoring, but he wasn’t sure what to expect when he joined our Youth Mentoring volunteer team. Rick Bloom with wife

“The kids are remarkably polite. I’m shocked at how well-mannered they are. They’re a pleasure to work with.”

Rick was impressed by the increased access to challenging subjects that students have today. When he was in high school, only four Advanced Placement (AP) classes were offered. Now teens can choose from a variety of AP classes, including AP Calculus and AP Statistics.

“Even kids from disadvantaged backgrounds have access to these challenging levels of classes. These kids are smart and I’m enjoying working with kids who are so knowledgeable.”

Rick loves helping students grasp new concepts and finds great joy in witnessing the “lightbulb moment” when everything clicks and their understanding deepens.

“When you can help other people accomplish something, it’s satisfying. It also makes you feel useful.”

Initially unfamiliar with SHIM’s programs for the refugee and immigrant community, Rick was encouraged and inspired by the organization’s strong emphasis on inclusivity. While students don’t complain outright to him, he has grown to understand that school can be a tough place for our minority students, but at SHIM they seem happy and well-adjusted.

“There’s a community of them taking care of each other. They seem interested in helping one another.”

Youth mentoring boys 2022 Rick witnesses how helping teens with their coursework empowers them to feel more comfortable with difficult subjects. They recognize that they have a safe space where they can come and get help thanks to dedicated volunteers like Rick.

We rely on more than 300 volunteers to support SHIM programs, and we’re thrilled to have Rick on our team of neighbors helping neighbors.

“We all have some skill that’s needed, and SHIM needs all kinds of helpers. Anyone who’s interested in being useful can find something that fits.”

Ready to join Rick? Head to shimcares.org/volunteer to get started!

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