Aaron Smith — Making an Impact
To be around Aaron Smith is to be around a person who is focused and a bit restless. When Aaron Smith looks around his community, he sees “hundreds of people right here who could use a helping hand.”
“I can’t help everybody,” Aaron said, “but I can help those within my sphere.”
Aaron earned his bachelor’s (2005) and master’s (2007) degrees from Lynchburg College, and he is now working on his doctorate in educational leadership studies at Lynchburg College. He also works at Lynchburg College (LC) as its student employment coordinator, deputy Title IX coordinator and LC diversity and inclusion officer (https://www.lynchburg.edu/aboutlc/office-of-equity-and-inclusion/ )
Four years ago, he started a mentoring program for young men of color called MAN2MAN. It grew out of his belief in the importance of demonstrating his Christian faith by giving his time to help others grow.
“Everyone can give something,” Aaron noted. “There were times in my life when I needed more help. People have invested in me. I try to give to others, because others have given to me. I try to be intentional about giving.”
When MAN2MAN started, it had four LC students under Aaron’s mentorship. Now there are 20 young men involved and they have a Facebook page to highlight their work (https://www.facebook.com/Man-2-Man-1507789132872964/ ). They have two goals: academic success and life success.
They meet bi-weekly at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lynchburg (www.bgclynchburg.org ) to volunteer and help mentor those young people.
Mentoring “enhances a child’s resilience,” according to Lisa McGuire head of James Madison University’s Department of Social Work. She describes mentoring as a “protective factor” that enables young people to navigate hard times successfully. (http://www.newsadvance.com/news/local/growing-champions/article_42da0585-5125-576e-96ec-f8474078dc10.html )
Aaron also recruits monthly speakers to offer motivational talks to his MAN2MAN group. Then he holds regular one-on-one mentorship meetings with the four college seniors in the group. He is striving to inspire them to have their highest GPA ever in their senior year and to prepare for meaningful careers. He also works to instill in them that it is their responsibility to give back to others throughout their lives.
Aaron is always seeking other men of color to help lead and mentor young adults, and he is excited that several LC alumni have expressed interest in volunteering. He said he appreciated that several LC faculty and staff have helped his program by serving as guest speakers at MAN2MAN meetings, including: Graduate Studies Dean Atul Gupta, Security Officer Dee Brown), and former Associate Vice President for Advancement Matt Brandon.
“A lot of people aren’t aware that everyone can give of their time, and everyone can share their thoughts and ideas.” He invites those interested in helping with MAN2MAN to contact him at Lynchburg College.
In April 2017, the MAN2MAN group earned a Robert Macauley Caring Award at Lynchburg College, recognizing their community service, and especially the time they have given to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lynchburg.
Click on the video below to hear how Michael Benko believes mentoring can make an impact on young people.
“Our time is valuable,” said Aaron. “It’s a big deal for me to give of my time. I try to be intentional about giving, because that’s what I want the world to be.”
Outside of the college, Aaron teaches a class at the Family Life Church where he is a member. He noted that it is a Biblical creed to show that we are Christians by putting our love into action. He referenced the New Testament Gospel story of the “widow’s mite,” in which Jesus commends an impoverished widow who gives two small coins as an offering. “Jesus said, ‘this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she gave out of her poverty.’” (Luke 21:1–4, or: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+21%3A1-4&version=NKJV ).
He recently wrote a book called, So I’m a Leader, Now What? The book provides guidance for new leaders in home, work, community and ministry. He strives to devote time to his wife, LaShanta, and their two children.
Recently, Lynchburg Business Magazine named Aaron as one of Central Virginia’s top up-and-coming leaders of 2016, as part of its “20 Under 40 List.” This honor recognizes professionals “who stand out for their professional accomplishments and community involvement.”
“I am grateful for this honor, but I try to look forward,” Aaron said. “What can I do today to make an impact on tomorrow?”
