In 2018 with other volunteer college mentors, I attended training on working with homeless students. We learned how to help them develop resilience.

Since 2006 I have mentored 16 girls, helping them write essays for scholarship and college applications. Two of the girls were homeless. Acted as a substitute mother during their senior years. Taught Gabriella to drive (she got her WA State driver's license) and hemmed her prom dress. Gave her a full-length mirror, her first. She was thrilled.

Helped Kassandra by getting scholarships she won and college entry delayed for a year. She was afraid to let go of her job at a nursing home. That job had supported her since age 14 when her mother abandoned her.

"Kassandra's birthday is in December. She hadn't been accepted by any colleges yet. I bought her a college bed set and threw in a pillow and blanket. "This is my vote of confidence," I said, handing her the gift. "You are going to college." She burst into tears and threw her arms around me.

For Kassandra, I attended her boring, four-hour high school graduation ceremony. I hate graduation ceremonies.

After graduating from high school, Kassandra took classes at the local community college for a year. Then she started at Eastern WA University with scholarships. Kassandra is now a registered nurse with a bachelor degree. She invited me to her wedding, an honor.

10 Skills That Develop Resilience

1. Goal setting with realistic expectations.

2. Building self-esteem.

3. Learning from mistakes.

4. Understanding and acceptance of your own strengths and weaknesses.

5. Self-control.

6. Willingness to overcome difficulties rather than avoid problems.

7. Optimistic thinking patterns.

8. Social skills and ability to seek assistance from others.

9. Ability to recognize your own emotions and those of others.

10. Problem-solving skills.