Volunteer Spotlight: Aashi, Go Girls! Mentor

In celebration of International Women’s Day, we are highlighting inspiring women in our community throughout the month who are creating meaningful change and uplifting the next generation.

At Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland, mentorship is about creating space for young people to feel safe, supported, and confident in who they are. It is about showing up, building trust, and helping youth navigate challenges while celebrating their strengths.

Today, we are proud to spotlight Aashi, a Go Girls! mentor who has been volunteering for nearly two years. What began as part of her Psychology practicum quickly became something more. After experiencing the impact of the program firsthand, Aashi chose to continue mentoring and build meaningful connections with the youth she supports.

“I originally signed up to be a mentor to gain hours for my Psychology practicum. I had so much fun doing Go Girls! I decided to continue volunteering outside of my practicum!”

 

Moments That Reflect Growth

For Aashi, some of the most memorable moments come from watching youth uplift one another. One activity in particular stood out: the compliment cards exercise, where mentees create self-portraits and receive kind words from their peers.

“My most memorable moment being a mentor would have to be the first time my co-mentors and I did the compliment cards activity. Seeing everyone’s reactions after reading their cards was incredibly heartwarming. I know it meant so much to our mentees to see all the nice things other mentees had to say about them!”

Moments like these reflect the power of a supportive environment. They show how connection and encouragement can help young people see themselves in a more positive light.

 

Why Mentorship Matters

For Aashi, mentorship is rooted in connection and creating a space where youth feel comfortable being themselves. Through shared activities and conversations, she has seen how relationships grow and how confidence builds over time.

“I enjoy the connections we make with our youth, seeing them have fun with the activities we planned, and witnessing the youth make special connections with their co-mentees!”

To her, mentorship is about more than guidance. It is about providing a safe, empowering environment where youth can explore who they are and learn how to face challenges.

“Mentorship means being a safe space for youth. Doing Go Girls! made me realize how many issues affect youth today, and it’s so important to create a space where youth feel empowered and know how to face these issues head on.”

Through her presence and commitment, Aashi helps create a space where youth feel seen, supported, and encouraged to grow.

 

Ready to Become a Mentor?

Aashi’s story highlights the impact of creating safe and supportive spaces for youth to connect and grow. Programs like Go Girls! help young people build confidence, strengthen relationships, and develop skills in a positive group setting.

If you’re interested in making a difference, consider becoming a mentor. Learn more about volunteer opportunities here or contact info@bigsisters.bc.ca.