The Impact on a Mentor

Blog Post Written by an ISM Mentor Currently Matched in our Program

 The Big Brothers Big Sisters In-School Mentoring program initially appealed to me because I was planning to apply for the education program and I figured that being able to participate in 1 on 1 mentoring AND be in a school environment would be awesome experience for my applications. At the time it was another tick mark on my school application checklist and it felt like a great opportunity. What I didn’t expect was to have had it impact me the way it did. Of course you hear about how you can change the life of a child, or how important mentors are to the children, but what I didn’t realize at the time is how life-changing it is for the Bigs, the mentors, as well. As cheesy as it sounds, hanging out with my Little has made me a better and more understanding person. Hearing about the stresses that go on in her life made me realize that everyone, no matter how young or old, has something going on in their lives, and to them it is important. While some may not think a 9-year-old fighting with their best friend is catastrophic, to her it is. That quality has followed me into my life and I find myself much more patient with others, even in times of stress. She’s also given me an excuse to do some of the things I loved doing as a kid again, like drawing for fun, playing board games and not caring so much when our baking doesn’t go EXACTLY to plan. Just having fun and making memories is what matters, not that our cookies are 5 star quality.

For an hour every week I get to hang out with an awesome kid and while I’m focused on making sure she feels heard and important, I realize that putting that time into her gives me a break from all the stress that I have going on. For that hour, we just colour. No homework, no working, no mean kids on the playground - just colouring. Or we bake, or we paint our nails! Life is just more fun, and it feels good to make someone’s day just by showing up. Who knew a 9-year-old telling you that you’re her best friend could make you feel so important?

I still want to become a teacher, and while I know that teaching isn’t just drawing and laughing and talking about girl stuff, I am more confident than ever that I’m making the right choice. If I can make even one more kid in this world feel heard and important, I’ve made a difference. So thank you to Big Brothers Big Sisters for the opportunity that was just that - an opportunity, and has become so much more. And thank you to my Little who is the best kid ever, I’ll see you next week!

This blog post was written by a mentor who is currently matched with her Little Sister in our ISM program.