MENTORS OF THE MONTH – APR 2025
LISA & LIV
Liv
When I first started my placement at Big Brothers Big Sisters as a Social Work student, my primary goal was simply to fulfill the requirements for my degree. At the time, I had no idea that this experience would evolve into something far more meaningful. A few months later, I found myself genuinely passionate about the work I was doing, especially the one-on-one mentoring aspect.
Before this placement, I had some volunteer experience working with children, but it was always in group settings. While group activities are rewarding in their own way, working individually as a
mentor has opened my eyes to the profound impact it can have. It’s not just about helping the child learn and grow—it’s also been a unique opportunity for me to expand my own knowledge and skills. Spending that hour each week with both of my mentees has become a special time for both of us. Not only do I get to support my mentee’s personal development, but I also find it to be a time for me to unwind, have fun, and reconnect with why I wanted to work with children in the first place. Beyond the personal growth my mentees have experienced, I’ve also learned so much about the need for emotional and social support for young people. This experience has solidified my belief in the value of mentorship and how it can make a difference in a child’s life.
As I look ahead to my future career, I know that the lessons I’ve learned through mentoring will stay with me. Whether it’s fostering positive relationships, understanding the needs of young people, or offering support during difficult times, these experiences have shaped the way I view my role as a future social worker. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had this opportunity and am excited to continue supporting my mentees in ways that truly make a difference.
Lisa
My mentoring experience has been beyond anything I could have imagined. It has truly been a rewarding journey, and I wish everyone could have the chance to experience such fulfillment in their life. I have had the honour of mentoring a smart, kind, talented, funny and beautiful young person for the past several months. We meet once a week for an hour at her school, and each visit is filled with joy, adve
nture and fun. We do activities together, such as making slime or oobleck, creating art and crafts, playing outside, playing sports, reading, conducting experiments, playing board and card games, learning a new skill such as crocheting, and making self-care items such as bath bombs, and lip balm. However, my favourite part has been the meaningful conversations and the friendship we have built together. When we first met, she was shy and hesitant, but now, she races down the hall to eagerly greet me with a big hug and a giant smile. It is overwhelming to see the incredible growth she has made since the beginning of our friendship, and it is something that I cherish deeply. It has been heartwarming to hear feedback from my mentee’s teachers, school staff and the Big Brothers Big Sisters In-School Mentoring Coordinators about the positive growth they have observed since we started our friendship together. I often wonder who is truly benefiting from this experience. I am grateful for this amazing opportunity and learning experience. I look forward to continuing this journey for many years to come.