This year, we launched a new program at Ben Lippen called Mosaic Mentoring. The purpose of the program is to cultivate connection through culture by pairing international boarding students with day students who share common interests.

From the beginning, our hope has been twofold: to help day students grow in their understanding of peers from different countries and cultures, and to welcome international students to Ben Lippen through Christian friendship and hospitality. We want our students to feel seen, supported, and at home as they adjust not only to a new school, but also to life in America.

A big part of Mosaic Mentoring has been helping explain traditions and experiences that may be completely unfamiliar. Things like tailgating, pep rallies, Spirit Week, and Thanksgiving are such fun parts of student life, but they can also feel confusing without someone there to explain them. Our goal has been to come alongside our international students during the harder moments of the year, especially when homesickness often begins to set in.

Before students even arrived at Ben Lippen, Erin Kay, our High School Social & Emotional Counselor, began connecting with incoming students and their families. She sent each student a welcome video translated into their native language, introducing herself and welcoming them to BL. Families scheduled virtual meetings so Mrs. Kay could get to know the students better, learn about their interests, and address any fears they had before coming. Those conversations were an important first step and helped facilitate thoughtful mentor matches with day students.

We have laid a strong foundation to build on for the next school year, and with more advanced planning alongside our International Program Director, Steve Sark, this program can grow in meaningful ways.

“Meet Your Mentor” was the first event that kicked off the program at Camp Ben Lippen. We also held a mixed-team wiffle ball game, which was a ton of fun and gave students a relaxed, natural way to connect.

At the first home football game, we hosted a tailgate where students learned what tailgating is and what happens during a football game. With wings, drinks, and lots of school spirit, it was a fun way to experience one of those classic American traditions together.

During Spirit Week, we held a popcorn party to explain what Spirit Week is all about, and the cheerleaders helped teach our students some of the cheers.

Mentors wrote notes of encouragement to international students throughout the year, and while that was one of the simplest things we did, it was also one of the most meaningful.

Another sweet highlight was our Thanksgiving feast. With help from PTF, we explained what Thanksgiving is, shared traditional Thanksgiving food, and even did some elementary-style Thanksgiving crafts. The Mosaic Mentors planned the event, and it was such a fun and memorable way to celebrate together.

Looking ahead, we are excited about what Mosaic Mentoring can become. Next year, we hope to expand the program so that it includes not only events for new international students and their mentors, but also opportunities for returning international students and their mentors.

This year was really about laying the groundwork, and we are thankful for the start has been made. Even in these early stages, it has been encouraging to see the potential this program has to help students connect, learn from one another, and reflect the love of Christ through friendship and hospitality.

Henry N., a day student and mentor, shared his perspective on what he has learned through the program: “It has opened me up to different cultures. In the past I haven’t talked to our International students as much, but through being involved in the Mosaic Mentorship program, I’ve learned there’s a lot of really cool cultures out there. It’s been really cool to exchange cultures—[Zach] has given me Chinese candy and has been teaching my friend Mandarin, and that’s been really fun.”

Looking forward, Henry shared how this experience will shape his future interactions: “it’s a lot to leave your home and come here. I want to be a part of welcoming them.”

Through the voices of students like Henry, it’s clear that Mosaic Mentoring is already making a meaningful impact—building friendships, fostering cultural exchange, and helping students feel at home in the Ben Lippen community.