Ojo a Ojo: LFHS Students Mentor LFU Students

by Ronnie Zamora/LFCISD

Bright students are serving as mentors for younger freshmen students who are willing to accept their help – Ojo a ojo, which is Spanish for eye to eye.

Two years ago, 2015 LFHS graduate Audrey Urbis started the Ojo a Ojo program, which was continued by 2016 graduate Jocelyn Sosa Ramirez.

This year, LFHS senior Samantha Padilla has accepted the challenge to continue the program, with a little help from her friends.

“I just recruited a bright group of people that I’ve been surrounded with through high school, especially in math classes,” Padilla said.

About 20 Los Fresnos High School seniors and juniors are mentoring Los Fresnos United freshmen who are struggling academically, or want help to get better grades in their classes.

The mentors make the four-mile drive from LFHS to LFU after school Tuesdays and Thursdays through after-school traffic to help younger students. The tutoring sessions begin at 4:30 p.m. and finish about 5:45.

Up to 40 LFU students have attended the sessions. On the average, there are two students for each mentor.

“Usually, they need help with math, but sometimes Biology and reading, but it’s mainly math,” Padilla said.

The experience of helping is rewarding for Padilla and her friends.

“I do get a lot out of it, because it helps me be a leader that I’ve learned in the RGV Lead program. “It’s a real-life scenario. It’s more than just helping them with homework.

Sometimes you just have to help them. They do pick up a lot, and they do respect us, because we have already been freshmen.”

LFU Communities in Schools counselor Lorraine Gonzalez is the staff coordinator.

“Jocelyn left me in charge last year, and Alex Barajas has been helping and will take over the lead for the spring semester,” said Padilla, who will be busy after school each day with the Lady Falcon softball team that begins practice in January.