Ontario High School Sophomore Ernesto Hernandez wasn’t sure what to expect when he signed up for a workplace mentoring program through Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Inland Empire. He certainly wasn’t expecting Matt McElroy.
“When I walked in that first day, I was surprised. He didn’t look anything like me,” Ernesto said with a smile. “Then I got to know him and realized how alike we are. He has helped me out with my self-confidence, and I know he’s always there for me.”
The program, a partnership between Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Chaffey Joint Union High School District and several local businesses, pairs students with mentors who can help them navigate the world of job interviews and what to expect when you land a job. It is part of the District’s ongoing commitment to preparing students for college and careers.
In Ernesto’s case, he has been paired with McElroy – a graphic designer for the Ontario Reign hockey team – for the past seven months. The Reign has enlisted 11 volunteers from its organization to meet monthly with students in facilitated discussions on topics such as preparing a resume, dressing for success and interviewing skills. Mentors also interact with students during the month, providing additional support and guidance.
Other local businesses participating in the program include Mathis Brothers Furniture and Citizens Business Bank.
“It’s so important for students to experience what will be expected of them when they enter the workforce, and this partnership provides that,” said Dr. Mathew Holton, Chaffey District Superintendent. “What’s really inspiring about this program is the commitment that the businesses have made to keep it going. Many of these students are discovering career opportunities they never knew existed.”
Jennifer O’Farrell, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Inland Empire, sees the latter as a significant benefit of the program.
“Students are seeing that they don’t have to be a hockey player to work for a hockey team. There are all sorts of jobs within the organization that can appeal to them,” O’Farrell said.
Ernesto’s exposure to the Reign organization, and his relationship with McElroy, gave him the confidence to pursues, and land, a journalism internship with PBS in Washington, D.C.
“When he speaks about something he cares about, there’s a fire or spark that really comes out,” McElroy said. “We’ve connected so well. His mind goes 10,000 miles a minute and so does mine. It’s been a great experience for me, and I know Ernesto is going to succeed at whatever he does.”
Both, too, have faced personal and family challenges that they quickly discovered about one another. Ernesto’s father died of diabetes three years ago. McElroy’s mother abandoned their family when he was a child, and for much of his life, carried the weight of feeling all alone.
“People around me didn’t understand what I was going through,” Ernesto said. “I have someone here who gets it.”
Monique Osorio, Development Manager for Big Brothers Big Sisters, has watched the two interact throughout the school year, and credits McElroy with not only helping Ernesto secure his summer internship, but preparing him for life.
“You’ll always know that Matt’s right there in your corner with you,” she said.