PROFILES IN MENTORING

Jeff Smith

Occupation: Writer/Director/Producer
Years with YSF: 7
Most Recent School: Crescent Heights & St. Anne’s
Favorite Movie: The Big Lebowski because I think I am Jeff Lebowski
Favorite Book (or book recommendation): The Stand by Stephen King. The only book that actually gave me nightmares and made me think The Walking Dude was coming to get me, too.
Name of your favorite teacher growing up: Reverend Ernest Campbell. Taught me how important it is to give to others.
Why do you mentor? I mentor because of the great joy I get from working with kids but also seeing how every kid we deal with is so individualistic with his or her own set of values, opinions, and goals, which amazes me because when I was that age I had enough trouble figuring out whether I wanted a tuna or peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch.
What was the last script you mentored? What was it about? Danny Bounce. The story of a basketball that came for a long line of basketballs. Danny great grandfather was the first basketball used in the NBA and his older sister the first basketball in the WNBA. However, we learn as the story opens that due to a factory error, the inspector has come to the Bounce household to tell them that Danny is a bit imperfect and can only be used in kids games at the YMCA. The rest of the story is Danny’s quest to meet his idol Duane Wade who he knows will get him a game in the NBA. And he does and it's the NBA Finals.
Is there a moment that stands out to you in your experience as a mentor? Working with an autistic kid at Cheremoya School who insisted that at the end of each class and after the shakeout, we had to have a group hug. It really brought everyone together.
What would you tell others about YSF? Simply that the process is magical and never boring. In seven years I have never heard of story that is similar to any other story and every kid in every school I’ve been in has been absolutely amazing.
How does YSF affect you, and how do you think it affects other mentors? It makes me feel that I may make a difference to some young kid now in the future. I think every mentor feels that way.
What advice/trick of the trade would you offer other mentors? Just listen and be true to what your kids tells you, using his words and story, not yours.

PROFILES IN MENTORING

Jeff Smith

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