Volunteer Spotlight: Aneesha, Study Buddy Mentor

At Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland, our mentors play a vital role in shaping the confidence and success of young people in our community. This month, we’re shining a spotlight on Aneesha, a dedicated Study Buddy mentor who has been making a meaningful impact through mentorship.

“Even though the sessions are just an hour, it always feels like they end too fast,” she shares. “Seeing my mentee succeed in areas they once struggled with is truly heartwarming. It’s a well-rounded experience that makes my heart full.”

A Journey of Mentorship and Learning

Aneesha has been a part of Big Sisters for two years and has been matched with her mentee for a year and six months. Throughout this time, she has witnessed firsthand how mentorship fosters confidence and growth, not only in her mentee but also in herself.

“I’ve had many memorable moments as a Study Buddy mentor, but one that stands out is when my mentee and I started getting creative with our lesson plans to make learning more fun. For example, when practicing creative writing, we would create a character using play dough or drawings and then write a story based on that character. We found ways to blend play and art into our lessons and that has made learning more engaging and exciting for both of us.”

Finding Meaning Through Mentorship

The experience of being a Study Buddy mentor has had a big impact on Aneesha who shared details of the joy it has brought to her own life.

“To me, mentorship is a beautiful experience of learning and growth, not just for my mentee but for me as well. Even though I’m the mentor, I’m proud to say that I learn so much from my mentee. Mentorship brings me closer to my community, and through Big Sisters, I have the opportunity to support someone’s learning journey—a role that fills me with gratitude and joy.

What I enjoy most is the satisfaction I get when I see my mentee and their family happy with the lesson plan and the progress we all make. It’s also such a joy and an honour to be able witness my mentee’s growth and progress. Being a part of their learning experience and journey is an absolute treasure for me and even though the sessions are just an hour, it always feels like it ends too fast. I do feel this immense amount of joy and pride when I see my mentee not only feel happy but also succeed in areas that they once struggled with. It’s an absolute pleasure to witness and its such a well-rounded experience that makes my heart full.”

Get Involved

Aneesha’s story is a testament to the transformative power of mentorship. If you’re looking for a way to make a difference in a young person’s life, consider becoming a Study Buddy mentor.

To learn more about becoming a Study Buddy mentor, click the link: https://www.bigsisters.bc.ca/become-a-volunteer-mentor/ or reach out with any questions at info@bigsisters.bc.ca.