Putting a focus on young lives

The Mountain View Los Altos High School district said it best. Roland Payne has been described as dedicated, steady and caring. In his 10 years on the Partners for New Generations Board serving as a highly esteemed mentor, Roland has served the children in this community well.

“It just feels good to help children,” said Roland. “You feel better about yourself and your abilities when you share your wealth of knowledge and experience to tutor students. Your self-esteem also rises because you are doing good things for someone else.”

After retiring in 1999, Roland became a NASA volunteer, tutoring grammar school students.  He became involved in the FIRST Robotics Competition and became the head mentor for the Los Altos High School Robotic program. After joining the Los Altos Rotary in 2000, Nancy Traficanti, placement supervisor for the Los Altos elementary school district, took Roland to Loyola School and he became part of the PNG program as a tutor.

Roland’s endless hours and dedication as a caring mentor can be expressed by his interest in the Child Advocate Program. In 2004, Roland received a boy in bad shape. He had been to 14 schools by the 6^th grade and his Mother and Father were in prison. With Roland’s constant push for success, his mentee is now a senior at Alta Vista High School and in good scholastic shape.

For years Roland has been a faithful contributor to the Alta Vista math program as a tutor. At first glance, mentoring and tutoring may seem like the same thing but there are distinct differences and benefits for each endeavor.

“While a tutor is a person who assists a student in learning, a mentor goes beyond the role of a tutor,” Roland said. “A mentor is more like an older friend, with a life of experience and a positive view to help make the most out of a student’s future.

Some children, like a student at risk, may need a tutor and a mentor, which Roland has experienced in his time with the PNG program.  At present, Roland has a 2-hour stint at Almond School and 2-hours at Oak School. He also tutors math at Alta Vista where specific learning is taking place.

“By mentoring over time,” Roland said, “ I can see life style changes taking place with students and that is very encouraging. You also achieve a sense of personal satisfaction from seeing others succeed.”