Jessica's Story

“I absolutely believe mentors are needed”, Jessica Foster said, T.I.P. 2020 Mentor of the Year and T.I.P. Assistant Administrator. “We are always learning every day and to share wisdom with others is phenomenal.”

Jessica began volunteering with T.I.P. in 2018 when she volunteered at church. After the one-day of volunteering, Jessica asked Mrs. Mattie Mason, Founder of T.I.P., if she could become a permanent volunteer. Jessica felt since she was a pregnant teen herself, she can relate and connect with the teens that are pregnant.

“I did not have a mentor and Lord knows I needed one,” Jessica said. “If I had a mentor, I am sure I would have made some different choices. I guess that’s why I take mentoring serious because I know if I had one it would have changed my life.”

Mentoring five teenagers so far, Jessica says she has learned how to be more compassionate. “Mentoring others has humbled me because I have the opportunity to impact a teen’s life in a positive way. TIP can help reroute their path in life even if they are pregnant or have already had their babies.”

“I’ve also learned that our youth need more guidance. Yes, they may show as if they don’t need your advice, but deep down they are hearing you.”

Some advice for Jessica’s future mentees is, “Don’t entertain the negativity. You are more than a conqueror. Teenage Incentive will be walking with you every step of the way.”

Jessica currently does not have a mentor, but she looks up to Mrs. Mattie Mason. “I see her heart and her compassion for the youth.”

“Advice for the fellow mentors is care for the mentees as you’d want to be cared for.”

By Karisa Norfleet

TIP Writer