Letters Between a Mentor and a Mentee
By: A’nyo Bell and Justin Lam
At Hack the Hood, we build pathways into tech by combining hands-on learning with the power of genuine human connection.
That spirit of connection is at the heart of the story of A’nyo Bell and Justin Lam. A’nyo joined Hack the Hood in 2023, driven by a deep curiosity about technology, but unsure where to start. Justin, a tech professional, began volunteering to connect with and give back to his East Oakland community. Their paths crossed at a Hack the Hood hackathon, sparking a conversation that grew into a powerful friendship and a mentorship that has been mutually beneficial.
To capture their journey, we recently sat down with them for an interview. The letters that follow have been adapted from that conversation, sharing in their own words how community, curiosity, and connection can change lives.
A Letter to My Mentor
Dear Justin,
When I joined Hack the Hood in 2023, I’d been curious about technology for a long time but didn’t really know how to get started. A friend sent me the link, and that summer, while I was studying computer science at Merritt College, I jumped in. I learned Python, built foundational skills, and went on to complete the Laney College data science program.
We first met at a hackathon. I think I went up to you while you were eating and just started picking your brain — about traveling, finances, security, tech, life, a bunch of things that didn’t even have to do with the hackathon.
Since then, our relationship has gone way beyond coding. I started going to your church. We’ve had conversations about the future, the present, things I’m working on, things you’re working on. We’ve gone to BSides and RSA together. You’ve always given me guidance and a framework without being controlling. You remind me to keep the bigger picture in view.
What stands out is that you always go deeper than I expect. Even when I ask random or basic questions, you put them in context and give solid feedback. For me, Hack the Hood has been profound. My life has completely changed, and you’ve been a big part of that.
– A’nyo
A Letter to My Mentee
Dear A’nyo,
When I switched churches to East Oakland, I started looking for community organizations where I could get more involved. That’s how I stumbled upon Hack the Hood. What they were doing really resonated with me. At a hackathon, I met you.
From the beginning, what struck me was your curiosity. You don’t just ask surface-level questions — you push deeper. That’s essential for growth in any field, and it’s what separates someone just starting out from someone moving toward mastery. Honestly, it’s inspiring.
That’s why I’m very loose with words like “mentor” and “mentee.” For me, this has been mutual. We’re all learning together. The hackathon gave us something concrete to work on, which made it easier to build momentum. But what has kept the relationship going is how much I benefit from it too.
I’ve faced plenty of self-doubt and imposter syndrome in my own career. Working with you has made me reframe that. You can doubt yourself, but you can’t doubt the situation you’re in — and when you focus on the situation, you find a way forward.
For me, Hack the Hood has been gratifying. I never expected to be the biggest beneficiary of this relationship, but I am.
– Justin
Help Us Make Opportunity Universal. Stories like these are made possible by supporters like you. Your gift to our Talent is Universal campaign helps us provide not just technical training, but the laptops, mentorship, stipends, and community support that unlock the potential in every young person. Join us in ensuring that talent and opportunity go hand in hand.
