The Power of Mentorship: Inspiring Futures This National Mentoring Month

From Curiosity to Career Focus: Nadiya’s Mentorship Story

When she was just 9 years old, Beach Court Elementary 4th grader Nadiya attended a summer workshop on crime investigation that sparked a powerful interest in forensic science. From that moment on, she knew this was something she wanted to learn more about.

In 5th grade, that spark led her to Community Resources’ Academic Mentors Project, where she was matched with an incredible FBI agent named Christine. Under Christine’s guidance, Nadiya got a behind-the-scenes look at what it really means to investigate crime. Together, they examined a mock crime scene, learned how to properly preserve evidence, take fingerprints, and think like real investigators. Christine didn’t just teach Nadiya about a career — she brought it to life, creating a powerful, hands-on experience that left a lasting impression.

Reflecting on the experience, Christine shared that mentoring Nadiya was “an absolute pleasure and a mutually rewarding experience.” She valued the opportunity to work with such a talented, motivated, and energetic student while sharing her passion for law enforcement and forensics — an experience that, she noted, "speaks to the mentorship program’s extraordinary commitment to learning and to growing the next generation of community professionals".

Fast forward to the fall of 2025. While attending the Skinner Middle School 8th grade science fair, the Academic Mentors Program Manager spotted a familiar face — Nadiya, now applying her passion in a whole new way. Her science fair project explored how time impacts witness reliability after a crime is committed, blending scientific research with the investigative skills she first discovered through her mentorship.

Nadiya went on to win Skinner’s science fair and will be representing her school at the DPS district fair this spring — a true testament to the lasting impact of mentorship.

Next year, Nadiya will attend CEC Early College, where she will continue exploring criminal justice and forensics, further developing the interests that first took shape through her mentorship.