Today, many young individuals face difficult times. One of every four children lives with a single parent. One of every 10 teenagers does not graduate from high school.

A caring adult can make a difference in a child's life. January is National Mentoring Month and we at Groton public schools say: "Share what you know. Mentor a child."

Quite a few of Groton's youth may not be receiving the support they require to become successful adults. This is why we need additional mentor volunteers. An hour a week spent with a youngster can make the difference for a lifetime.

Recent national studies have shown that young people who are mentored are more likely to establish higher goals, achieve better grades in school and are less likely to use drugs.

People enjoy their experiences as mentors. They get personal satisfaction just observing the positive change in the mentored child while watching the growth in maturity.

New mentor training will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. Jan. 13 at Cutler Middle School in Mystic. If you're interested, please call Eric Benker at (860) 536-1962.

Begin 2010 with a new experience and become a mentor.

Editor's note: The writer is School to Career coordinator with Groton public schools.