“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” – Barack Obama
The time is now. The person is you. If you’re thinking to yourself: “But I don’t have this yet.. I haven’t attained this level in my job… I don’t have these qualifications…” you’re not alone. Many women think they have to “have it all together” before becoming a mentor and friend to a young girl.
The truth is, there’s only two qualifications to becoming a Big Sister and mentor: an open heart and an open mind. Our Big Sisters come from various backgrounds and life experiences. Some are just starting out in their careers. Some are retired. Some are married. Some are single. What’s important is a willingness to listen, to try new things, to be a cheerleader and champion to your Little Sister.
Little Sisters aren’t seeking perfection; they are looking for you to be present with them, to have fun, to share in their joys and their challenges. They’re seeking cupcake aficionados, movie-watching experts, and hula hoop enthusiasts. That is what being a mentor can be. As a volunteer with Big Sister Boston you will receive expert training on how to be an effective mentor and ongoing guidance and resources from your Match Support Specialist. You are never alone in your match relationship and you will never be judged for not having all the answers. The time is now to be present, not perfect. Interested? Start your journey here.
