Lorah has worked in the Pre-Collegiate Program for over five years. While working in the program he has mentored around 40 kids, 20 being serious about the program. "I look forward to meeting the kids every week," he said. He teaches his mentors to enjoy life and "think outside the box." He takes them on field trips, and even out to dinner, usually for Chinese food, one of his favorites. "He's very nice and very giving. He brings something really interesting to the program," Glenwood Springs High School senior Dominic Molinari said. Lorah spent a year mentoring Molinari, who plans to go to college. "My job is to encourage these young people to do the best they can in high school. These kids are going to be successful. They're going to have a good life," Lorah said. His volunteer work has given him great satisfaction in his life. He has been previously involved with the Peace Corps and the local river commission. In addition to his current work with the local Pre-Collegiate Program, he is also part of Youth Zone's Restorative Justice Program.
Ethiopia RPCV Bill Lorah Volunteers For His Community
Bill Lorah Volunteers For His Community
Pre-Collegiate Mentor
By Austen Russell and Daniel Bradley
Post Independent
Glenwood Springs, CO Colorado
Volunteer work has always been an important aspect of Bill Lorah's life. Currently, he is a mentor in the Roaring Fork School District's Pre-Collegiate Program.
The Pre-Collegiate Program helps give high school students the opportunity to work their way into college. The program specifically targets those students who would be the first generation of their families to graduate from college. These students are educationally ready for college, but may need financial help or motivation. The program covers both factors by offering scholarships and support from its mentors.
Once a month the students in the program meet with their adult mentors. Students receive advice and encouragement, and these meetings often include a guest speaker. Meetings consist of conversations that include the discussions of career possibilities as well as consideration of college preparation.
Lorah has worked in the Pre-Collegiate Program for over five years. While working in the program he has mentored around 40 kids, 20 being serious about the program. "I look forward to meeting the kids every week," he said.
He teaches his mentors to enjoy life and "think outside the box." He takes them on field trips, and even out to dinner, usually for Chinese food, one of his favorites.
"He's very nice and very giving. He brings something really interesting to the program," Glenwood Springs High School senior Dominic Molinari said. Lorah spent a year mentoring Molinari, who plans to go to college.
"My job is to encourage these young people to do the best they can in high school. These kids are going to be successful. They're going to have a good life," Lorah said. His volunteer work has given him great satisfaction in his life. He has been previously involved with the Peace Corps and the local river commission. In addition to his current work with the local Pre-Collegiate Program, he is also part of Youth Zone's Restorative Justice Program.
Lorah is currently employed at Wright Water Engineering. He works there as a Senior Consultant, and his job includes determining water rights, environmental work, and other related tasks.
As far as activities other than his volunteering and work go, Lorah says he enjoys traveling. According to him, he has been to over 60 countries so far in his lifetime, including Iran, Fiji, and Pakistan.
Lorah keeps trinkets he collects during his travels from all around the world. They are scattered around his office and he is more than willing to share a background story on each of them. "It's not important where you've been, it's where you go that matters," Lorah said.
There are some people who don't see any value in doing work that doesn't pay them money for their time and effort. Then there are people like Bill Lorah who have spent a large portion of their lives helping and volunteering for the good of other people. "It's really awesome that he takes time out of his schedule to do this," Molinari said. "It's a fantastic program. It provides many great opportunities."
