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Colin Dockter (he/him) is a second-year double-major in economics and psychology. Colin is the president of College Mentors for Kids, an organization that connects elementary school students in the Charlottesville area to UVA students through weekly on-Grounds activities that inspire growth, confidence, and brighter futures. During these activities, UVA students are paired with a "little buddy" they'll mentor for the school year. Colin also is the vice president of Borenstein Math Academy (BMA), a company that provides affordable, high-quality tutoring that empowers students to thrive in mathematics via small, online math classes ranging from kindergarten level to algebra and geometry.

What led you to your service work?

In high school, I spent hours after school every week talking with my business-law teacher. I shared my goals and aspirations, and he guided me towards them. I would not be the man I am today without him. The greatest lesson he's taught me is the "cycle of mentorship." The idea is that we pass down knowledge to our students not only for them to use, but eventually pass on to their students in the future. After having such an influential mentor, it's now my turn to start passing down what I've learned. I'm grateful to have found the opportunity to do so at College Mentors for Kids and BMA.

What has been the most rewarding aspect that comes with your community involvements?

Mentors have the privilege of witnessing the growth of their students over time. Mentors have the ability to watch as the results of their service manifest in front of them. Having both received and given mentorship, I confidently say there aren't many things more gratifying than this.

How would you encourage others to get involved?

Applications to become a mentor at College Mentors for Kids open at the beginning of each semester! Look out for sign-ups at the UVA activities fair and check out collegementors.org for more information.

Interested in becoming a tutor at Borenstein Math Academy? Know students who will benefit from affordable, high-quality tutoring? Check out our website to contact us with business inquiries.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I was wrongfully diagnosed with a nut allergy as a child and subsequently avoided all nuts/foods that may contain nuts up until senior year of high school.

What is your favorite spot on Grounds and why?

My favorite spot on Grounds is Newcomb dining hall on Wednesdays.

What is a book or movie you would recommend?

I recommend the movie Cats (2019) as it has changed my whole world view.

If you could do one thing to make the world a better place, what would it be?

I've been extremely lucky to have had parents, friends, and teachers encouraging me throughout my life. Having people around you to both celebrate your successes and guide you through your failures is so incredibly important. Knowing I owe so much of who I am to the people in my life, it's sad to see that so many kids grow up without the mentorship they deserve. I want all kids to have access to mentors who believe in them.