Most would agree that a mentor provides advice to less-experienced individuals to enhance education, build professional networks, and advance careers. A mentor is much more than a trusted friend, counselor, or teacher. He or she provides continuing care for an individual along life’s journey. So, it appears that caring is the basis for mentorship.
Maya Angelou once said, “To be a mentor, and an effective one, one must care. You must care.” The notion of sincerely caring for others runs strong for anyone involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina.
These volunteers show they care by contributing to the cause. Also known as “Bigs” they demonstrate care by showing dedication and commitment towards the youth we call “Littles” helping them to reach their full potential. The cyclical relationship between the Big and Little gets compounded more and more over time, all attributed to the power of caring.
‘Mentor’ is a term used quite frequently at Big Brothers Big Sisters and is a designation that I’d like to underscore for National Mentoring Month. Oftentimes, we think of this mentorship as a Big to Little transfer of life lessons, skills, and mementos. The reality is that mentorship is symbiotic.
It’s not at all surprising that behind many success stories are the impact of a mentor. In fact, a recent Henderson County survey with local schools determined that all Littles had notable improvement in most if not all categories of: self-confidence, problem solving skills, motivation to learn, completed homework, behavior at school, relationships with peers, relationships with adults, and attendance.
One Little in particular, Kamryn, explained to a teacher that because of her mentor, she was able to experience our community in ways she never has before. With the company of her Big, Kamryn got to enjoy downtown Hendersonville, and expressed how elated she was to visit Hands On museum and the local Aquarium. Most importantly, Kamryn expressed that she has a forever friend in her Big and looks up to her immensely.
The ability to alter a person’s life trajectory can seem like a daunting task. What some may not realize is how minor instances and acts of caring are what fuel true change. A mentor acts as a guide, to propel these children in the right direction, and offer encouragement every step of the way. There’s no better ‘thank you’ than hearing from a Little years after they graduate from the program, on how Big Brothers Big Sisters impacted them for the better. This relationship comes full circle when a Little decides to then become a Big.
If there is one takeaway from this, please just remember that any caring person has the power to ignite potential.
I hear this often from fellow members of the Advisory Council who are Big Brothers or Big Sisters. It doesn’t take much effort to positively affect someone’s life. To the Littles, the impact of a mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters could mean drastic life improvement and ability to overcome adversity.
For the Bigs, it is an immense feeling of gratitude, hope, and purpose. At the end of the day, it’s caring for one another that can truly change someone’s life.
I started with a quote from Maya Angelou and will end with one: “People may not remember exactly what you did, or what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel.”
You may now agree that a mentor is much more than you may have perceived and that caring is the key ingredient to a successful mentoring relationship. Do you care enough to get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC? We sincerely hope so.
It would be my pleasure to share more about our mentorship program. Email us at firstname.lastname@example.org or write to BBBS, 851 Case Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792.
To support us, consider attending our spaghetti dinner fundraiser at Three Chopt Sandwich Shoppe in downtown Hendersonville on Saturday, January 18th from 4 to 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the restaurant and Homestead Linens & Gifts or by visiting www.bbbswnc.org
Natalie Swenson volunteers her time with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina as a member of the Advisory Council in Henderson County.