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Dreams of destiny
Middle-schoolers in NU mentor program told to avoid gangs, embrace potential
Visiting journalism lecturer John Fountain ordered his audience — a group of 80 Northwestern and middle school students — to stand.
“What’s in your hand?” Fountain asked.
One middle school student, hand raised high, shouted a response. “Air!”
Fountain smiled. “Destiny,” he said. “Your destiny is in your hand. Now repeat after me: ‘I may be young, but I have a plan.'”
Forty-five middle school students echoed the professor’s words, pledging to avoid pitfalls that could derail their dreams.
The presentation was part of the Eva Jefferson Civil Rights Program, a day-long mentoring event that brings students from local middle schools to campus to spend the day with NU students. The event is sponsored by Associated Student Government in honor of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Participants began the day at 9 a.m. with breakfast at Allison Hall, then met at Norris University Center for Fountain’s speech. Fountain, who grew up on the West Side of Chicago and covered the crime beat at the Chicago Tribune for six years, talked about the dangers of gangs and the need for education.
“He opened up to us,” said Michelle, an 11-year-old from Chute Middle School. “He told us how he grew up, which was very similar to how a lot of us grew up.”
Students attended Anna Deveare Smith’s keynote address in the morning. Later, they took part in a talk about some of the day’s speeches, led by visiting theatre professor Harvey Young. Afterward an admissions official gave advice about college preparation.
Event organizer Martin Zacharia said NU contacted area middle schools, requesting students who would benefit the most from a mentoring relationship. Zacharia, a Weinberg sophomore, said organizers tried to attract students who are struggling in school or need positive role models.
Tracy Carson, a Weinberg senior and one of the event’s organizers, said the number of middle school students participating this year almost doubled from last year, which meant some mentors were required to partner with two middle school students.
Organizers hope the program will lead to a relationship between NU students and the youth that continues throughout the year. Zacharia said mentors should keep in touch with their students, calling and meeting with them periodically.
“I see Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the mentorship program as a starting point,” Zacharia said. “In order for this to be successful, this has to extend beyond today.”
Many of the middle school students said they learned a lot about King and how his ideas apply to them.
“In school they tell you the basics,” said Kristin, an 11 year old from Chute, “but here you go a little deeper.”
Alex, a 13 year old from Chute, said he felt his day off from school was well-spent.
“I wouldn’t have had anything to do at home except play video games and watch television,” he said.
— Erin Stock