Signs of Trust: Irving student receives lifelong benefits from TeamMates mentor

January 28, 2025

Irving Middle School student Journie and Beattie Elementary School staff member Zoë Lewis-Monkman have built an ironclad bond through an important mentorship initiative.
 
Journie and Lewis-Monkman have formed their friendship over the past year through the TeamMates mentorship program. Their strong attachment is based on their ability to speak a common language of trust, respect and joy. Journie is deaf and communicates with friends and classmates through American Sign Language (ASL), and Lewis-Monkman helps many children with her work as a certified ASL interpreter at Lincoln Public Schools.

“Zoe helps me in school by having a positive mindset,” Journie said. “She helps me socialize with other people. If I’m in a bad mood at school, she makes me feel better. We’re able to chat and communicate about home or anything that happens. We’re able to talk to each other and it makes me feel better.”

 
Journie and Lewis-Monkman both said their lives have been enriched by the time they have spent together. Lewis-Monkman has become a constant presence in the stands at Journie’s eighth grade volleyball and basketball games, and they have enjoyed activities like painting, drawing and board games during their weekly meetings.
 
“What I enjoy most about my friendship with Journie is the connection we’ve built,” Lewis-Monkman said. “It has been so rewarding to see her grow and to know I am there to support and encourage her along the way. We are able to laugh together, celebrate wins and work through challenges. No matter what is going on in my life, I always leave our time together feeling better than I did before.”

 
TeamMates Mentoring of Lincoln arranges matches for hundreds of Lincoln Public Schools students each year. The organization’s work has sparked many opportunities for community members to be involved in the lives of children. That includes the hallways at Irving, which currently has 40 mentor-mentee partnerships.
 
Irving Principal Rachael Kluck-Spann said she was proud to see friendships like the one between Journie and Lewis-Monkman sprout all over the building.
 
“TeamMates mentorship relationships are so important to our students at Irving,” Kluck-Spann said. “Our TeamMates spend time getting to know their mentees and building strong relationships. This is a foundational aspect of the program. This story just highlights the wonderful snapshots of how important TeamMates mentors are to students.”

 
Audrey Watson is a match support specialist with TeamMates Mentoring of Lincoln. She was thrilled to see Journie and Lewis-Monkman pair up after both wanted to become involved in TeamMates activities.
 
“It felt like we had hit the jackpot on their match,” Watson said. “They instantly connected because their personalities and interests are so alike.”
 
Lewis-Monkman said her decision to become a mentor was her way to give back to others. She said she was fortunate to have “incredible mentors” in her life, and she became deeply passionate about shaping and supporting the next generation. Journie said that enthusiasm is evident every time they speak through ASL.
 
“When we met we started conversing and we could sign together, so it’s really good,” Journie said. “And over time, it’s gotten better.”
 
“When we first started meeting, she was pretty shy, but as we’ve spent time together, the more comfortable she has gotten sharing her thoughts, feelings and dreams,” Lewis-Monkman said. “Some of my favorite moments have been supporting her in the things she enjoys doing, like going to watch her play volleyball and basketball. I have loved watching her confidence and skills grow on the court, and it’s been fun to cheer her on along the way.”

 
That rising confidence is helping Journie become even more involved at school. She is a member of Irving’s ASL Club and is planning to compete in track and field this spring. She would like to continue playing sports and become a cheerleader in high school.
 
Kluck-Spann said she has watched many other Aardvarks and adult mentors experience that same type of growth from TeamMates. She felt Journie and Lewis-Monkman were role models for how the program can help people.
 
“I would say meeting with a student one hour a week is an opportunity to make a positive impact on a student’s life that continues for a lifetime!” Kluck-Spann said.

 
Journie and Lewis-Monkman also encouraged students and adults to dive into the pool of TeamMates mentors and mentees. They said those decisions would lead to lifelong bonds.
 
“I think they should join TeamMates because it’s really enjoyable and fun,” Journie said. “They can help you and support you. If you need help at school or with homework, then they can help you with that.”
 
“Becoming a mentor is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have,” Lewis-Monkman said. “It gives you the chance to make a real impact on someone’s life while also growing as an individual as well. It’s about building a meaningful relationship, sharing experiences and learning together!”
 
Visit lincolnteammates.org to learn more about ways to become either a mentor or mentee in the program.
 
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