True stories, Real people: Illustrated animations to ensure confidentiality.
Tracey joined Big Brothers Big Sisters with a clear goal in mind: to be the mentor she wished she had growing up. Remembering how difficult it was not having a trusted adult to turn to, she was motivated to provide the guidance and support that could make a difference in a young person’s life.
Tracey believes that being a good mentor requires several qualities, including dependability, patience, kindness, and strong listening skills. She values flexibility and honesty, strives to be nonjudgmental, and holds a deep respect for diversity. These qualities allow her to create a safe and supportive space for her mentee to grow and thrive.
The most rewarding part of Tracey’s mentorship journey has been witnessing her Little’s growth toward independence and compassion. Seeing her mentee make her own decisions and grow into a thoughtful, self-reliant young person has been a proud and fulfilling experience.
Mentorship has changed Tracey in unexpected ways. She has become more patient, more understanding, and more aware of the challenges some children face growing up. Her mentee has also shown her kindness and patience, surprising her with lessons she never expected to learn.
For anyone considering becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister, Tracey emphasizes the importance of dedication and dependability, especially in the early stages. She advises that consistency is key, as a Little counts on their mentor. Though the journey can be challenging and sometimes heartbreaking, she believes the commitment must be a priority to make a real impact.
Looking ahead, Tracey is excited to support her mentee as she takes steps toward adulthood, including securing her first part-time job. She remains committed to being available as a sounding board whenever her Little needs her. One of their shared goals for the coming summer is to spend more time together, as life often makes it difficult to meet as often as they’d like.
They celebrate their successes by enjoying simple outings together, like lunch or dinner, or just hanging out and talking. Tracey sees these moments as invaluable, both for celebrating growth and deepening their bond.
For Tracey, being a Big Sister is a privilege and an honor, offering the chance to not only change a child’s life but to enrich her own as well. Her message to the Big Brothers Big Sisters community is clear: mentorship is a profound opportunity to make a lasting impact on both the mentee and the mentor.