For Shannon Mahan, mentoring is not symbolic. It is personal, intentional, and rooted in showing up for students in real ways.

When Shannon ran for the SBISD Board of Trustees, a teacher and parent offered a challenge that stopped her in her tracks: Every Board member should mentor. That challenge stayed with her and ultimately led her to say yes.

Why she became a mentor

“I have always had an interest in mentoring, but my schedule did not allow it,” Mahan shared. “When I was running for the Board, I was challenged by a teacher and parent who said she believed every Board member should mentor. Her reasoning resonated deeply. We need to be able to picture all students when we are making decisions or casting our vote, not only the students we personally know.”

Who she mentors

Mahan began mentoring an incredible sixth grade girl in fall 2023 at Spring Woods Middle School. As their relationship grew, her mentee began talking about mentoring with friends. By the end of seventh grade, her two best friends, who are twins, joined the group. Today, Mahan mentors three eighth grade girls.

What mentoring looks like

Mentoring typically happens over lunch each week. While schedules sometimes require flexibility, the consistency of connection matters.

“When we have lunch, we often play games, but mostly the girls just like to talk,” Mahan said. “They give me the tea. I can honestly say I look forward to it every week.”

Beyond conversation, mentoring also includes academic support. Mahan helps the girls study when needed and they review grades together each nine weeks, reinforcing both accountability and encouragement.

The impact

“Personally, we fill each other’s cups,” Mahan shared. “We laugh a lot, but we also talk about heavy topics, from family relationships to what they want their lives to look like. To know they value my thoughts and respect my opinion, even coming from different walks of life, is incredibly special.”

She is quick to note the relationship is mutual.

“They are teaching me far more than I am teaching them.”

A moment that mattered

One moment that reinforced why mentoring matters came during a Northbrook vs. Stratford High School football game. The girls, who are in orchestra, were invited to play with the high school band as eighth graders. Mahan sat with them during halftime, and they met her family for the first time.

“We share about our lives with each other,” she said. “That night made it feel even more real.”

Mentoring matters 

“More than ever, kids are craving personal connection,” Mahan said. “They need to feel loved, seen, and valued. They need to know there are people who will show up for them.”

A message to future mentors

“I cannot think of one person who has ever regretted mentoring,” she said. “It is a gift to the mentee, but it is also a gift to us as mentors. These kids are so grateful for one on one time, and it makes a lasting difference.”

Thank you to all our SBISD mentors who show up, build relationships, and make a difference every day for Every Child.

Learn more about mentoring in SBISD.