Guest post by 2016 alumna Briana Piercey 

I bet you’re like me and you like the idea of giving back? If so, how DO you give back? Let me introduce you how others gave untold riches to me…they gave to me by mentoring children living in urban communities.

I am one of the lucky ones. I graduated with honors in December from the University of Central Missouri with a degree in public relations with an emphasis in business. As a product of urban living and the vision that comes from youth mentorship, I couldn’t wait to share my story with others. So, I poured my heart into the honors project I designed to highlight the amazing impact that mentorship, usually through sponsoring non-profit organizations, had on me…and many others.

As a soon-to-be-graduate who had benefitted mightily from the selfless mentorship of others, I produced a video to share with all of you. My short film, “Discover A R.U.B.I.E.” challenges adults to put an end to youth delinquency and discouragement by dedicating themselves to mentorship. Through testimonials, the footage captures the success story of a first generation graduate (me) from the urban Kansas City, Missouri area and the support I received from non-profit organizations.

Across the nation, many children and adolescents fall victim to the lack of positive guidance within their communities. It’s hard to succeed if no one cheers you on and gives you the kind of direction you need.

As a product of the urban community, I owe a lot of my success to the support I received from my involvement in non-profit organizations and, most importantly, my volunteer mentors. For that reason, I couldn’t help but dedicate my senior honors project to the topic of mentorship and what it means to youth like me. I give a special shout out to R.U.B.I.E.S. Inc. and the mentors who believed in me. Without them, I would not be a first generation college graduate! They helped me reach a goal that I once saw as unattainable.

So, let’s get to it. The Discover a R.U.B.I.E. video I produced salutes non-profit organizations like R.U.B.I.E.S. Inc. (Realizing yoUr Best In Every Situation), Greater Kansas City Links, and Children Defense Fund: Freedom Schools. They had a forever impact on me.

And, in keeping with reaching goals, my long-term vision is to launch my own non-profit organization dedicated to urban youth and community development. Don’t forget to watch my video! I am so grateful for those who gave to me through mentorship.

Briana is a 2016 UCM PR Program graduate