Page 34 - April 2015 Life In Naples Magazine
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WINTHNEERS
CIRCLE naples style
I t is well known that Naples is a community that does things, we by Sandra Lee Buxton
are aggressive in our work on behalf of others. We volunteer, we
mentor, we attend fundraisers, we chair events, and we support mentor stays the course.
endeavors.The list of people who do these things in nearly endless but Prior to students and mentors being matched a few years
every now and again someone stands out. Louise Penta is certainly
that person, and she recently was named “Mentor of the Year” for ago Louise just happen to sit at a table with Alex and his family.
the State of Florida by the Take Stock in Children program. To be During the introductions and getting to know one another Alex’s
considered for this award the mentor is expected to have a long-term, mother mentioned that her son was diabetic and that solidified the
meaningful commitment to the program and his or her mentee. relationship. Louise raised a son who is also a diabetic and she knew
The mentor is expected to work on building confidence, provide that the two were meant to work together. She realized that she could
encouragement, and help their students build on their strengths and be of assistance to Alex with his scholastic endeavors and also provide
overcome their challenges. Louise was nominated for this prestigious education about his disease. As an RN and the mother of a diabetic,
honor by the Take Stock staff and her own mentee, Alex Arreguin. this truly was a match made in heaven. She is given credit by Alex for
serving as a mother figure, a mentor, a cheerleader and keeping him
Passionate in her support of students and the educational focused on his goals. Recognizing the importance of being educated
opportunity that this program provided she has spent the last five in all spheres of his life Louise arranged for him to attend a diabetic
years grooming her students (she has two) for success. Mentors camp in Massachusetts.This camp teaches young men to learn how to
make a commitment to drive to Immokalee weekly to meet with live with the special challenges of their disease. Alex has attended this
their mentee, which in itself is a labor of love. camp four times and found the experience personally enriching and
Naples has mentors which not only go to
Immokalee but look forward to the trip and transformational. The first time he attended camp both
meeting their students. Alex like many other Louise and Alex flew to Boston which was the first
students are wide eyed, full of anticipation time that he had been on a plane or had ever left
and a week’s worth of stories that they are the state. To top that off he received a personal
excited to share. Making a difference is what tour of the Boston area by Louise and learned
the mentors value, that and watching firsthand about the historical sites that he had
a child evolve into a young adult only read about. Talk about making history come
prepared psychologically and alive, this was a great life lesson itself.
academically to reach excellence. As graduation approaches Louise
There is a powerful message and her mentee have forged what
that the students receive from they consider to be a friendship that
their mentors, and that is “you will continue beyond the mentoring
matter.” They matter enough process. Alex is grateful to have been
to invest their time, talent and mentored by Louise for the support
sometimes resources. They and encouragement that she provided.
matter enough to listen to Louise in turn, feels that she is on the
issues close to the mentees heart receiving end as well, stating that this
and things that they cannot just type of work “gives purpose.” She shares
trust to anyone. They have trust that it is rewarding to watch her student
in the one “who cares,” the one grow, mature and reach for his dreams.
who listens in a non judgmental After graduation Alex plans to attend
way, one who supports them college and major in biology. One thing
even when poor choices are made. is certain “this is a lifelong relationship”
The student matters enough that the built on mutual respect and trust. Louise
Penta has lived her life with grace and so
many have benefited. Welcome to the
Winners Circle Naples Stlye.
ALEX ARREGUIN, LOUISE PENTA Life in Naples | April 2015
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