• "The best part about icouldbe.org is that you give teens a new vision and hope for their future. It's a chance to help them avoid the pitfalls and stumbling blocks that can cloud their vision and hope for a changed and successful life."
• "For myself, I know what it's like to grow up and not have people believe in you. For my mentees, I believe in them. I would hate for them to swim through a sea of unnecessary despair. This world is filled with people who have paved the way to their own success."
• "This forum gives us a chance to give back our stories, wisdom and experiences. "icouldbe.org" is the bridge between those that have and those that need. My mentees help me so much more than I could ever help them and for that I owe them a debt of gratitude. Thanks."
– "MPower" aka Andre, Security Administrator, New York


• "Communication through icouldbe.org is about as simple as using e-mails and chat sites. I do not have to travel to the mentees' locations, which is good because I cannot drive."
• "Participating in the program makes me feel useful and lets me tell others what I know, which is more than I might have guessed before joining. My mentees and other people involved seem to enjoy having me around. And employees with tighter schedules than mine still can be mentors."
– "Hourly925" aka Mark, Staff Accountant, Arlington


• "I'm honored to be chosen to participate in your proposal. First of all I want to THANK you and your company for starting this program.. I myself am learning al from my mentee's .. I think this is a great learning experience for the kids and mentor's.. you ask me what I love about this program.....I can't say anything bad.. this program takes kids that may not have both there parents or working parent that are never home, and gives them a chance to have good roll models in their lives."
• "I just wish this would be used in more areas than now.. I think every kid should have a chance to participate.. My mentee's are e-mailing me every day with questions and telling me how there day went.. That makes me fell great that a kid I have never seen before would confide in me, and talk to me through e-mail like I've known them forever.. I want to THANK YOU again and please let me know if you need anything else I would love to help in any way... "
– "Firepower" aka Heather, Appraisal Specialist, Coraopolis, PA


• "...originally signed up for mentoring because it was a good thing and could be added to my resume. However, almost immediately I realized that this was much more. These students were fresh, open, and truly wanted my help. They have such hopes and goals for their futures. "
• "Their questions about my job helped me renew what I love about my job. At first I was scared about "giving advice" to these students. I was concerned that I might not be able to relate to their lives. Your system makes it very easy to work together with the students. The projects are a wonderful way to break the ice and to start down the path to working in the business world. "
• "I look forward to working with these students and helping towards their futures."
– "Loggers93" in memory of Sarah, Registered Financial Services Associate, Rancho

• "It [icouldbe.org] is great! I'm thoroughly enjoying this experience and I think it's the PERFECT volunteer opportunity for the E*TRADE culture."
– two18
• "I like the idea that I'm doing something I'm proud of and that the time is very flexible." – Guilty
• "Gives me something to look forward to getting their mail each day" – 8ball
• "I like the pace at which we are getting to know each other" – Smcnel
• "I have the opportunity to change a mentee's life for the better by informing him/her of the right decisions, paths, and thoughts to have on the future. It gives me an opportunity to fix 'my mistakes' through them!" – Azuki
• "I like the anonymity" – Techhokie
• "Love the cause. Will encourage others to join and will be committed myself indefinitely." – jiggajigga
• "It has been a long time since I was a teenager and having two small children that are getting to that age it is very enlightening to me." – Cicada
• "[icouldbe.org] forces me to change my perspective - makes me reflect back on experiences which formed me" – et65
• "I like the feeling of doing something worthwhile" – Tasr
• "I appreciate the feedback from students after they 'think about new info' and how it alters their 'world view' and/or aspirations in life." – bluesky07
• "It is a very great program, i am so glad i had a chance to become a part of it, and i would consider doing it again in the future if asked again....thanks icouldbe." – Diidii32
• "I think this service is so great. The kids seem very interested to move on track towards a career as well as be happy and healthy." - Simon
• "Never knew something so fun and exciting was out there for kids like this." – Southerndixie3
• "I'm glad it [icouldbe.org] exists and I think it provides a great tool and service to these teens." – Udaman
• "It’s a good mechanism for the 21st century. I hope more kids have access to internet to take advantage of it." – r2d2
• "This is an awesome organization and I'm so happy that my company joined..." – TaurusBull10

Teen Success Stories