TeamMates of the Month: Mike and Ethan

October 31, 2025

The first time Ethan met his mentor Mike, he found something he’d lost when his first mentor wasn’t able to continue in the TeamMates program.

“I found that connection again, like a spark.”

As many TeamMates do, they played UNO at first. Mike is surprised how much Ethan has grown in confidence and determination since those early days.

“Ethan was just a shy young man. Now, he’s determined to find the right path, the right friends, get the right grades. He’s focused.”

Going beyond surface conversation takes trust. Mike says their trust really grew last year.

“We started talking about deeper things – how to fit in or not fit in and goals for the future.”

Ethan agrees.

“I trust Mike. I could tell him anything that is going on at home or school. I know that if it's something that needs to be forwarded to another adult for my safety, I can trust him to do that.” 

Ethan didn’t know, until they shared their story with TeamMates of the Month, that Mike had grown up without a dependable male role model. That piece of Mike’s history motivated him to be a TeamMate.

“I kind of had to make up what it meant to be a young man. I figured if there's an opportunity to help a young person navigate those rough waters, then that'd be great.”

And Ethan’s growth means a lot to Mike.

“I get a lot of satisfaction out of watching Ethan grow. I mean, freshman to junior year, man, it's like night and day as far as his personality growth, his confidence growth.”

Ethan beams seeing the words he chose to describe his mentor (wise, kind and enthusiastic) in action. 

“When I first met Mike, he was very kind. That stuck out. Every time I see Mike, I just get happy. Every time.”

Of course, life can throw a few curves. When Ethan lost his stepfather to cancer, Mike helped him through it.

“Mike was the go-to person I would talk to about my feelings. I wasn't happy. I just, I didn't want to be anywhere at the time.”

Week by week, Mike helps Ethan remember the strengths he sees: determination, energy and intelligence. He reminds Ethan what it takes to succeed.

“You just have to believe in yourself. And find the path.”

That makes a difference for Ethan.

“It really has helped me. It really has built my personality and my strong characteristics.”

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