Volunteerism | Monique McDonald - The Mentor Mom
Published:Monday | March 4, 2019 | 12:00 AMRocheda Bartley - Gleaner Writer
Mentor mom, Monique McDonald, is always on duty. As a survivor of sexual abuse, having been repeatedly rape by her uncle, she’s made it her responsibility to help others overcome similar traumatic experiences, especially young women living with HIV.
“I choose this field because I did not want another young girl to go through the pain I went through,to suffer in silence the way I did. I want them to know that there is help,” she explained.
The fun-loving soul gets complete satisfaction from the role she plays, working at the Jamaican non-government organisation, EVE for Life.
With time, she has achieved immense emotional and spiritual growth that has helped to mould her into the strong and influential person she has become. First entering the programme as a weak and distraught participant, this now powerful individual, has developed into one of the best and most inspiring mentors at inspiring organisation.
THE JOURNEY
Rising out of Unity Hall, St James, McDonald commits herself to making life changing sacrifices. These are not only for herself, but more so for proving to her mentees that even though it may appear difficult to move forward from their challenges, it is still possible.
“My journey to where I'm now was very hard. It’s because of my past. I was unable to achieve accreditations due to me not completing school and all I experience I as a child,” McDonald told Flair.
Her experiences, however, motivated her to seek greater opportunities.
Aside from mentorship, peer to peer interventions and prayer are the tools McDonald employs at EVE for Life to effectively carry out her tasks. The firm believer in Christ attests that her inspirations first comes from Him.
“Secondly, it comes from my Eve for Life family, who has supported me throughout the most difficult times of my life. And my father who is the source of my strength. They always keep me going,” she said.
ME TIME
“Balancing my personal life and professional life can be difficult, as my job causes me to be always on call, but I have learnt to navigate around this by giving myself "me time" taking time to take care of me,” McDonald explained.
There’s no greater moment for her than when she is able to reserve some alone time. It’s a distressing method, but it also gives her time to focus on herself, set goals and enjoy what she does best - baking, socialising with friends and making a trip to the beach. She acknowledges herself as an excellent baker, a skill she believes many are unaware that she possesses.
McDonald wants to go back to school soon. Her dream is to become a certified social worker, so that she can make a greater impact on the lives of youngsters.
So far, she identifies girls she had guided, who went on to become mentors themselves, as the biggest accomplishment of her influence. But that’s not where she wants to stop. She believes she can do greater things and is committed to continuing until she has achieved it all.
“I have personal achievements too. One of my greatest so far is that I was able to complete my own home with the help of Eve for Life. And I want to acquire so much more,” she said.