This summer, Building Impact organized a mentor information session with Mass Mentoring and the Red Sox at Fenway Park. There, Amanda Martinez shared her experience as a Big Sister, which she became involved with through Building Impact nearly two years ago.
Building Impact: Can you tell the story of how you ended up becoming a mentor with Big Sisters?
Amanda Martinez: I had a Big Sister when I was younger and I always wanted to return the favor. When I had moved to Boston I was looking for a way to help in my surrounding community. Building Impact organized a volunteer fair in my building where I worked and the Big Sister organization had a table in the lobby. It was the perfect opportunity for me to have my questions answered about the program.
BI: What were you hoping to get out of mentoring when you started?
AM: My goal was to bring a little something extra to the life of a young girl; to share with a girl the same new experiences my Big Sister had shared with me when I was younger. This experience has brought me more than I could ever imagine. My Little Sister is an amazing girl. She faces the every day challenges of being a young girl of color with gusto. Her amazing smile makes it all worth while!
BI: What has being a mentor meant to you? Why is it something that is important to do?
AM: Being a mentor is paying forward the gift that my mentors gave me. While growing up, I had many mentors who made an amazing impact on my life. Most often my mentors made a difference by just giving me time. My Big Sister showed me that sometimes a simple walk in the park or a great conversation is the best way to spend a day. My high school guidance counselor listened and helped gently guide me through some of the toughest decisions I had to make at that point in my life. I have been fortunate to have many people who cared enough to share their time and experiences with me. In some instances, they opened up doors that I wouldn't have had access to in my normal everyday life. How could I not want to do the same for some one else?
BI: What do you like best about mentoring your Little Sister?
AM: Talking, listening and learning about one another. Through our conversations we have learned to trust one another and that trust has helped guide both of us through an amazing friendship. Sometimes, those conversations happen through her art and poetry. Through these vehicles, my Little Sister has found a way to communicate her feelings in ways in which she may not feel comfortable in day to day conversation.
BI: If someone reading this newsletter is inspired by your story and wants to get in touch with Big Sister, what should they do?
AM: Anyone interested in becoming a Big Sister can contact Sheena Collier, Manager of Recruitment & Community Partnerships at scollier@bigsister.org, 617.236.8060, or visit www.bigsister.org.
