Volunteer Spotlight: Milan, Go Girls! Mentor

At Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland, our mentors create spaces where girls and gender diverse youth can feel supported, connected, and free to be themselves. Through consistency, encouragement, and shared experiences, mentors help youth build confidence while making space for laughter, curiosity, and connection.

This month, we’re proud to spotlight Milan, a Go Girls! mentor who has volunteered for three semesters since starting in Fall 2025. What began as a desire to become the kind of supportive older sister she wished she had growing up has become a meaningful opportunity to connect with and support the next generation.

“I wanted to be that big sister to girls who may not have one in their lives just like younger me.”

A Full-Circle Reason for Mentoring

Growing up as an only child, Milan always admired the relationship between Big and Little Sisters. She imagined having someone who could offer advice, provide guidance, and be there without judgment.

As she got older, she realized she wanted to create that kind of relationship for someone else.

“I think that I have always admired a big and little sister relationship, even when I was younger. Being an only child, having someone who could give you advice, judgement free and help lead you in the right direction was something I always wanted.”

When she discovered Big Sisters, she saw an opportunity to turn that feeling into action. Today, she brings that same sense of care and encouragement to the youth she meets through Go Girls!

The Little Moments That Mean the Most

After three semesters and three groups of mentees, Milan has collected countless memorable moments. One, in particular, stands out.

During the final session of one group, the mentees were making friendship bracelets. While everyone else was making bracelets for themselves, one mentee was quietly working on one for Milan. She tried to figure out her favourite colours and carefully work out how to spell her name.

“It was the most heartwarming thing ever for the mentee to try to figure out what my favorite colors were and how exactly to spell my name.”

For Milan, the bracelet represented more than a thoughtful gift. It was a small reflection of the relationship they had built and the impact of the time they had shared together.

“It showed me she truly cared about the work we had put in, appreciated her wellbeing being prioritized, and was able to realize how much it meant to her that she wanted to show me herself.”

Making Space for Joy

For Milan, one of the most rewarding parts of mentoring is simply being present for the joy of each session.

“I truly feel like time stops, but those who have heard the giggles and squeals of girls enjoying themselves know what I mean.”

The laughter, smiles, and energy of the groups are moments she carries with her long after each session ends. Seeing youth enjoy themselves and knowing she has played a small part in creating that happiness makes the experience especially meaningful.

“Every single one of their laughs and smiles will stick with me forever, always able to bring me joy.”

What Mentorship Means

For Milan, mentorship does not have to mean having all the answers or making a big change in someone’s life. Sometimes, it is simply about being there during an important moment.

“Mentorship can be experienced in various ways. To me it can simply mean being there for a mentee, helping them navigate a specific time in their life, or just making their good day a great day.”

Those small moments can matter more than they seem. A conversation, a shared laugh, an activity, or simply knowing that someone showed up can become part of a young person’s experience in ways that last beyond the program.

“It really means everything to me knowing that what may appear to be a small part or little things that we contribute to in a mentee’s life, makes a difference to them in the present and hopefully future.”

Ready to Become a Mentor?

Milan’s experience shows that mentorship can be found in the small moments: the laughter shared during a session, the encouragement offered when it is needed, and the relationships that grow over time.

The Go Girls! Program supports girls and gender diverse youth in grades 4 to 8 through group mentoring focused on healthy living, self-esteem, confidence, and connection.

If you’re interested in creating a supportive space where youth can feel seen, connected, and encouraged to be themselves, learn more about becoming a volunteer mentor at bigsisters.bc.ca/become-a-volunteer-mentor or email us at info@bigsisters.bc.ca.