“Service to others and my community is important to me.” Bruce Stedronsky says when asked why he volunteers, and he means it. Though he is a director and the current treasurer of the Bridgeport Lions Club and actively participates in their service projects, Bruce was still looking this past year for more ways he could give back, and so he reached out to Amy Ellis, Bridgeport ISD’s Superintendent. She connected him with Angela Callaway, CISNT’s Site Coordinator at Bridgeport Intermediate School, and since then, Bruce has dedicated his time to mentoring a student at Bridgeport Intermediate.
Bruce’s approach to mentoring is grounded in listening, patience, and encouraging his mentee to take the lead in their interactions. Each week, he meets with his student in Ms. Callaway’s classroom, where they often play board games like chess, UNO, and Connect4, though recently their activities have expanded to crafts. Bruce has also made an effort to foster an interest in reading in his mentee, but it’s still a work in progress, and that’s okay. “I’ll periodically ask him about the word and definition Ms. Callaway has on her whiteboard,” Bruce says. “For example, the word this past week was ‘Community.’ The week before it was ‘Cooperation.’”
While Bruce’s time with his mentee is often spent just participating in whatever activities his student enjoys and they’ve only been meeting since the beginning of the school year, Bruce says he’s seen positive changes already. “I’ve observed positive growth in the student’s behavior and coping skills. I don’t know whether I have any part in that growth, but I hope my presence and encouragement help contribute to it.”
Angela believes that Bruce is having more of an impact on his mentee than he believes. She says, “Bruce is a wonderful mentor!! He really cares about the CIS program. [I’m] So happy to have him as a mentor. His student enjoys spending time with him.” and “They have a special bond.”
To anyone considering volunteering as a mentor, Bruce says “I would encourage them to “step outside their comfort zone” to volunteer as a Reading Buddy, Mentor or Academic Coach. I was concerned about how a student would relate to me, given our age difference (I’m 60+ years old). As a CIS Mentor, the one hour I spend each week with the student is many times, just being present, listening, observing and participating in activities with him.”
Bruce’s story is a beautiful reminder that mentorship doesn’t require grand gestures or relationships spanning years—it’s the small, consistent acts of service that can make the most lasting impact.
Learn more about how you can make a difference with CISNT here.
