Volunteer Spotlight: Rachel, Go Girls! Mentor

At Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland, our mentors create space for self-expression, connection, and growth—reminding youth they’re not alone in the world.

This month, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on Rachel Michon, a dedicated Go Girls! mentor who’s been volunteering for over a decade. With every session, Rachel brings warmth, humour, and a genuine passion for helping youth feel seen and supported.

“I’ve been volunteering on and off as a Go Girls! mentor for 10 years, and there’s a reason I’ve stuck with it this long. Every term, the positivity grows, the support gets stronger, and the mentees have an even better experience.”

Moments That Stick

After 10 years of mentoring, Rachel has plenty of standout memories—but one special moment continues to resonate.

During a session on unrealistic beauty standards, she led a “compliment circle,” where each mentee shared a non-physical compliment with the person next to them.

“What started a little awkwardly turned into something really special. The mentees shared stories about times when someone had been kind, funny, or brave. Watching them lift each other up like that was a lovely sight. I hope they left seeing the same value in themselves that the rest of us see in them!”

It’s moments like these that highlight how meaningful group mentorship can be—not just for participants, but for mentors too.

Why Mentorship Matters

For Rachel, mentorship is about showing up with empathy, energy, and authenticity.

“One of the best parts is seeing that one mentee—maybe the one who’s a little skeptical at first—finally open up and embrace the group. And often, that happens when we let ourselves be kids again, too.”

From the playful spirit of the Go Girls! program to the support of fellow mentors and staff, Rachel says the experience brings out the best in everyone.

“To me, mentorship means being the person you needed when you were younger. It’s about creating a space that’s safe, fun, and real.”

She carries with her a quote that reflects her approach: “Shared joy is double the joy, shared sorrow is half the sorrow.” And that’s the energy she brings to every session.

Ready to Become a Mentor?

Rachel’s story is a powerful reminder that confidence and connection often begin with a simple gesture—a game, a laugh, or a supportive conversation. If you’re passionate about helping young people build healthier, more confident lives, consider becoming a mentor with Go Girls!

The Go Girls! Program is a group mentoring initiative for girls and gender-diverse youth in grades 4–8. Through fun, active-living activities and engaging health-based discussions, the program promotes self-esteem, encourages healthy habits, and helps youth build strong friendships.

Led by 2–3 trained mentors over eight sessions, each program includes games, group discussions, and activities that inspire self-reflection in a safe, supportive, and inclusive space.

To learn more about volunteering or other mentorship opportunities, visit: https://www.bigsisters.bc.ca/become-a-volunteer-mentor/ or contact us at info@bigsisters.bc.ca.