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By Jean Ikeda
When Crystal was a junior at Los Altos High School, she discovered the mentor program offered by Mentor Tutor Connection, a local nonprofit that pairs high school students in the Mountain View Los Altos High School District with caring mentors.
She was matched with Natasha, a seasoned mentor who had already guided two MTC students. The two quickly bonded and began meeting every Wednesday after school to share a meal or activity and talk about life.
“I was overwhelmed with gratitude for Natasha’s kindness when we first met,” Crystal recalls.
Crystal faced significant challenges in middle school, feeling unsupported by a school community that underestimated her potential and assumed she wouldn’t go far or attend college. Everything changed in high school when she developed a vision of pursuing a career in service to others. Determined to become a nurse, she focused on her studies, aimed for college, and began volunteering at a local hospital to gain experience.
As the only child of immigrant parents, Crystal also navigates cultural expectations. Her parents, understandably concerned about her living far from home, have expressed reservations about her college plans. Natasha sees her role as providing Crystal with a window into possibilities she might not otherwise consider, such as attending college farther away and making independent life choices.
One of Crystal’s favorite memories with Natasha was shopping for her homecoming dress. Natasha helped her choose the perfect one, turning the experience into a cherished moment. For Natasha, the mentoring journey has been just as rewarding. “It’s nice to spend time with teenagers who choose to be with you,” she says. “We get to see the world through other people’s lives, creating social mobility.”
The majority of students in the MTC mentoring program come from vulnerable backgrounds, often facing significant stressors that impact their mental health and academic engagement. Frequently from low-income families, they are sometimes overlooked in more affluent communities. MTC mentors offer critical support, acting as a listening ear and providing guidance to help students build a strong foundation for their future.
Through her time with Natasha, Crystal has gained valuable life lessons. “Natasha makes me think about compassion and has taught me to have grace — with others and with myself,” she shares.
Jean Ikeda, MTC’s Executive Director, reflecting on the broader impact of the program, said, “Sometimes, all a student needs is a mentor to spark their confidence and remind them that their dreams are within reach. MTC mentors help students see possibilities outside their everyday lives.”
Last year, 124 high school students participated in MTC’s mentoring program, and over 200 students received tutoring. MTC tutors, who work with K-8 students in the Los Altos and Mountain View Whisman School Districts, provide academic support to families unable to afford private tutoring.
“Imagine a young student, one-on-one with their tutor, finally feeling seen and supported,” says Ikeda. “That personalized attention builds the confidence they need to succeed.”
Since its founding 28 years ago, MTC has been dedicated to fostering the academic, social, and emotional growth of students in our community. The nonprofit is profoundly grateful for our committed volunteers, whose time and energy support over 300 local students annually.
Mentor Tutor Connection is a recipient of the Mountain View Voice holiday fund. Each year, donations to the Holiday Fund are divided equally among a group of local nonprofits that serve people in need. The Voice and its Holiday Fund partner, the nonprofit Silicon Valley Community Foundation, absorb all administrative costs to run the fund, and all donations are tax-deductible.
For more information about the Holiday Fund, go to mv-voice.com.com/holiday-fund. To give a donation online, go to embarcaderomediafoundation.org/holiday-fund/mountain-view. Checks can be made payable to Mountain View Voice Holiday Fund and sent to 2345 Yale St., FL 1, Palo Alto, CA 94306. The Holiday Fund campaign will run through early January, with grants awarded in the spring.
Jean Ikeda is the executive director of Mentor Tutor Connection
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