Think back to your youth. Did you ever feel lost or confused? Were there ever big achievements you wanted to share with someone who cared? Could you have used a friendship that boosted your confidence? That鈥檚 what being a mentor means for young people across the Lower Mainland, and you can be that someone who makes a difference.
When you become a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters, you鈥檒l be seen as a hero 鈥� and you鈥檒l feel like one too. You鈥檒l be there for a young person, encouraging and empowering them to reach their potential. But it鈥檚 not a one way street. Your Little will inspire you, teach you, make you laugh. What you give will be returned in bundles, and here鈥檚 just a bit of what鈥檚 given when you become a mentor:
- Boost in confidence: 92 per cent of Littles feel confident, 96 per cent say they鈥檙e happy and are less likely to have anxiety
- Success in school: 63 per cent of mentoring recipients have post secondary education and students who meet regularly with their mentors are less likely than their peers to skip school
- Less risky behaviour: Teens who are mentored are less likely to engage in binge drinking, drug use, daily cigarette use, alcohol use, or bullying
- Future achievement: Mentoring recipients have more financial literacy, higher paying jobs, and are more likely to hold senior leadership positions
If this is the impact your mentorship can have on a young person, just think of the possibilities for growth in your own life too. When it all comes down to it, the goal is that every child who needs a mentor has a mentor. Currently, there are over 100 Littles waiting to be matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister. To get involved, visit bigsisters.bc.ca or bbbslangley.com