True stories, Real people: Illustrated animations to ensure confidentiality.
Emma was drawn to Big Brothers Big Sisters by a desire to make a positive difference in her community and in the life of a young person. She believes every child deserves a caring adult role model who can provide encouragement and guidance. For Emma, mentorship is an opportunity to help a child grow, explore new opportunities, and reach their full potential, which has been a driving force in her commitment to the program.
Emma emphasizes that being a supportive and active listener is essential for a mentor. To her, a good mentor offers encouragement and a safe space for the mentee to express themselves freely. Adding a sense of fun to the relationship is also important, as it helps build a comfortable and positive environment where her mentee feels valued.
Emma’s advice to anyone considering becoming a Big Brother or Sister is to approach the role with commitment and consistency. She underscores the importance of having the time and energy to be a regular presence in the mentee’s life, as reliability is key to fostering trust and growth. Patience is also essential, as every mentorship journey involves learning and adapting. Emma reminds potential mentors that it’s okay to be imperfect; simply showing up and providing support can have a profound impact on a young person’s life.
To make the most of their time together, Emma regularly checks in with her little to ensure they’re comfortable, happy, and engaged. She stays attentive to her little’s needs and is flexible with their activities to create an enjoyable experience. This open communication allows Emma to remain responsive and ensure their time together is meaningful for both of them.
With this being their first year in the program, Emma and her little are excited for the experiences that lie ahead. They’re looking forward to learning new things, sharing fun activities, and building a strong, lasting friendship together. For Emma, the chance to create this connection and contribute positively to her little’s life is both an honor and a privilege, one she is eager to nurture in the year ahead.