Volunteer Spotlight: Lee & Rachel, Pumped for Post-Secondary Mentors
At Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland, our mentors help high school students explore life after graduation with confidence, guidance, and support. The new Pumped for Post-Secondary (PFPS) program at Langara College paired youth with post-secondary student mentors for hands-on workshops, campus experiences, and meaningful conversations.
“I love seeing students open up and feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and goals—it’s rewarding to watch their confidence grow,” shares Lee, a PFPS mentor and Langara student.
Through programs like PFPS, mentors help youth feel seen, supported, and inspired to shape their own paths.
Sharing College Life, One Thursday at a Time
Rachel, a Langara student studying General Sciences, joined PFPS to explore new volunteer opportunities and share her college experience with younger students.
“Every Thursday, I get to share college experiences with younger students through games, participate in activities led by staff, and get to know other people over food! Overall, having interactive conversations with other mentors and mentees, whether it be different or similar interests, is something I look forward to.”
Through activities, workshops, and group discussions, Rachel helps youth explore post-secondary life in a fun, interactive way. Her consistent presence encourages students to ask questions, try new things, and build connections with mentors and peers alike.
Building Confidence Through Connection
Lee, a Bioinformatics student at Langara, brings a unique perspective as a deaf mentor. Initially, some youth were unsure how to connect with a deaf mentor. With patience, gestures, text, and ASL interpreter support, Lee created a welcoming environment that encouraged participation and trust.
“The youth were shy at first, so I started with simple questions about their hobbies, favourite things, and cultural backgrounds. As they became more comfortable, they opened up and joined activities with more confidence. Seeing their smiles reminded me how meaningful it is to create a safe, welcoming environment and build trust with youth.”
Lee’s experience highlights the importance of accessibility, understanding, and inclusion in mentoring. By showing up consistently and modeling patience, mentors like Lee help youth feel empowered and supported in exploring post-secondary pathways.
About Pumped for Post-Secondary
Pumped for Post-Secondary (PFPS) is a group-based mentoring program that connects high school students (Grades 9–12) with current post-secondary student mentors. Running from January to April at Langara College, PFPS combined workshops, campus experiences, and guided mentorship to help youth explore post-secondary opportunities, build confidence, and shape their own understanding of what comes next.
Delivered as an on-campus program at Langara, PFPS ran over 10 sessions and included contributions from Langara staff and faculty, who presented on a range of topics from student life to academic pathways, financial literacy and wellness supports. These sessions gave students a first-hand look at post-secondary environments while building familiarity and confidence in navigating them.
Volunteer mentors like Lee and Rachel played a vital role in bringing the program to life. Their guidance, encouragement, and example helped students navigate uncertainty, ask questions, and envision life after high school with clarity and confidence.
Ready to Make a Difference?
The PFPS program is a unique way to help youth explore post-secondary pathways and build confidence. If you’re interested in supporting high school students as they navigate life after graduation, learn more about the Pumped for Post-Secondary program here or contact us at bfef@bigsisters.bc.ca.