If It Wasn't For You

Everyone needs a person who is a mentor, someone to provide us with words of wisdom and to act as a guide to keep us on track—especially during difficult times. Mentors help shape who we are, and help us choose the road to follow as we make importa nt decisions in our lives. The ninth grade students at Manhattan Business Academy, a new public high school in New York City, explored their own answers to the question: Who has made the greatest impact on your life? In a collection of personal memoir essays, they reflect upon the people in their lives who have guided, supported and taught them invaluable life lessons. In turn, it is their hope that this book—and the lessons shared inside—might serve as a mentor of sorts for those who read it.