The following piece was written by Jacob Ureña, Summer Search Boston Mentor. Jacob reflects on his experience after attending and facilitating a session at the Youth Mentoring Collaborative Symposium in  Durham, North Carolina in October. Read more from Jacob below as he is reminded of the collective power of a community dedicated to youth mentoring.

Attending the Youth Mentoring Collaborative Symposium was an unforgettable experience that left me both inspired and deeply reflective. As a Summer Search Mentor, I have always believed in the power of authentic connections, but this symposium reaffirmed how transformative mentoring can truly be—not just for mentees, but for mentors like myself. It was a rare opportunity to step out of my day-to-day responsibilities and immerse myself in a community of passionate professionals who share a commitment to uplifting young people.

The session I facilitated focused on deepening mentoring practices using Summer Search’s Depth Mentoring Framework and Emotions Wheel. Participants explored key principles of mentoring, including trauma sensitivity, critical consciousness, identity development, and social-emotional learning. While these concepts provided a strong foundation, the real magic happened in the discussions and reflections that followed. The focus was not just on the tools but on how these ideas come alive in real-world mentoring relationships.

Facilitating this session was both a privilege and a learning experience. Walking into the room, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. This was a space filled with individuals who had their own rich experiences with mentoring, and I was eager to contribute to the dialogue. For me, it became more than just delivering content. It was about creating a space for collaboration and reflection, where we could all learn from one another. Seeing the participants engage with one another, sharing their challenges and triumphs, reminded me of why I chose this path in the first place.

One of the most meaningful moments for me was hearing the diverse perspectives in the room. As participants shared their stories, I was struck by the universality of certain themes—the importance of trust, the impact of being seen and heard, and the resilience of young people navigating complex challenges. These conversations reinforced the idea that mentoring is not a one-size-fits-all practice. It’s deeply personal and requires a willingness to meet people where they are, with empathy and intention. I left the session feeling grateful for the opportunity to facilitate, but even more grateful for the insights and experiences others shared with me.

The symposium also gave me a chance to reflect on my own journey as a mentor. Over the years, I have learned that mentoring is as much about personal growth as it is about supporting others. Every interaction with a mentee has taught me something new about patience, vulnerability, and the importance of showing up fully in the moment. At the symposium, I saw these lessons mirrored in the experiences of others, creating a sense of solidarity and shared purpose that was incredibly powerful.

What stood out most to me was the energy in the room—the willingness of participants to engage deeply, ask questions, and challenge their own assumptions. It was a reminder that mentoring is a dynamic, evolving practice. There’s always more to learn, more to refine, and more ways to grow. The symposium felt like a celebration of this growth, not just as professionals, but as individuals committed to making a difference.

As I reflect on the experience, I am filled with gratitude for the connections made and the stories shared. The symposium reminded me of the collective power of a community dedicated to youth mentoring. It also reinforced my passion for this work and my commitment to continuing to learn and evolve as a mentor. I left the event not only with new tools and ideas but with a renewed sense of purpose and a deep appreciation for the impact we can create together. I look forward to carrying these lessons forward and seeing how they continue to shape my journey with Summer Search and beyond.