For the last eight years I've had the opportunity to work with a wonderful mentoring program. I am now leaving my position as Y-Pal director to pursue another career opportunity and want to thank everyone who has helped make this program so successful.

In 2000, I started as a case manager for Big Brothers/Big Sisters and matched at risk youth with volunteers from our community. In 2003, the Auburn YMCA took over the program, and it was re-named Y-Pals but was basically the same mentoring program.

I became the director of the Y-Pals program and implemented a school-based program which started with Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

As the years have gone by, I have seen some wonderful volunteers really make a difference in children's lives.

There are so many stories on how these wonderful people have influenced these children forever. It has given me such pleasure watching high school students, children themselves, take pride in being positive role-models to younger elementary students who thrive by their attention.

I cannot express how much this program and the generous people I've worked with have changed my own life. Without working in this field I would have never known the joy a child feels when someone takes an interest in their lives or how many children don't have the security we all feel. It's made me realize how lucky I've been to have such wonderful parents, family and friends throughout my life. It's easy to take things for granted and not realize what others are going through. I know working with this program has made me a better person, and I want all the families I've worked with to know they will be deeply missed.

If you ever feel like something's missing in your life, become a Y-Pal mentor and help another child in our community. It will change your life for the better

To learn more about the program, call 253-5304 ext. 119.

Sharon Collins is a former youth director for Y-Pals at the YMCA in Auburn.