On a sunny morning in Calgary, Prince of Peace School hummed with the lively chatter of students. The classrooms and hallways were abuzz with anticipation, not just for another school day, but for something special that had been making a big difference in their community. Amid the rising challenges of increasing class sizes, escalating mental health concerns, and complex social needs, this school has discovered a new solution: Big Brothers, Big Sisters (BBSS) Teen Mentoring program.
Led by the dedicated and enthusiastic Mentoring Coordinator, Jessica Baltazar, the Teen Mentoring program pairs teenage students with elementary students. These pairs meet weekly for an hour, engaging in activities designed to build literacy, social-emotional and friendship skills. The program has not only provided much-needed support for the younger students, but has also transformed the lives of the teen mentors.
One such mentor, Theo, shared, "On mentoring days, I come with a little more pep in my step and I’m a little more energized knowing that I’ll be hanging out with a little guy," he said with a smile. "We have a special bond. I’m like a big brother almost, because he doesn’t have any older siblings, just a younger one. I think I’m like a role model and I’ve taught him some things that might help him in the future. It also helps the mentor because it teaches you a lot of self-control and patience, and qualities that you can use throughout your life."
Teens are trained and supported by their Mentoring Coordinator, Jessica Baltazar. “With Jessica, if there’s anything you need to talk about, you can go to her even if it’s not Big Brothers Big Sisters related. She’s really good at talking to all of us and getting us pumped up to be here,” another teen mentor, S, noted.
S had her own transformative experience. "I learned to open up and try new things. I used to not do any sports because I wasn’t really into that, but my mentee really liked doing that stuff. So, I thought maybe I’ll try it, and I ended up really loving gym now," she shared.
"It makes me feel like a better person in general. It makes you feel good and like you’re helping to make change.
It's not all about getting a job or having a good thing on your resume – it’s about getting to know kids around the school. You end up becoming friends with kids in your grade and kids in the younger grades that you’re mentoring because everyone wants to hang out with everyone."
Maia, another mentor, beamed with pride as she recounted her experience. “In my first year, I noticed a change in my mentee. When I first talked to him, he was very shy and kept to himself. As the year went on, he made more friends in his class and was more outgoing. That made me really happy and motivated to come each Thursday because I saw that I was actually making a difference.”
Leah, the school's counselor, saw firsthand the impact the program had on both mentees and mentors. “For our younger students, it’s given them more confidence to interact with peers, teachers, and older students. For some of them, it’s been difficult communicating their needs, which could lead to feeling isolated or withdrawn. The BBBS program has helped these students feel comfortable advocating for themselves in such a big school. When they come to BBBS, they have one-on-one or small group time where they can explore their feelings safely, then take that back to their classes,” she explained.
Leah also noticed the profound benefits for the older students. "For our older students, it’s given them a purpose in shaping and guiding younger students. I believe it’s made them feel valued, knowing that their role is important and that these little ones look up to them. The program helps build a strong, supportive community within the school."
She elaborated on the social-emotional benefits, adding, "This program has helped with self-awareness and regulation. If something has happened with a student, they have the opportunity to talk about it with their mentor, with me, or with Jessica when they get here. While I’m at the school daily as a support, I know of one student in particular who sometimes prefers to wait to talk to his mentor on our BBBS day. He’s shared with me that he respects the opinion of his mentor, and he helps him work through any issues he may be experiencing. Students in the program have improved their ability to problem-solve and respectfully move through minor issues that can often happen with peers in the classroom or outside on the playground.”
Through the Teen Mentoring program at Prince of Peace School, mentorship has built skills, fostered emotional growth, and created lasting bonds that benefit both individuals and the school community as a whole. In a time when schools face numerous challenges, perhaps this program could serve as a model for other schools looking to foster a nurturing and supportive environment for their students.
Stephen is a Communications Specialist with Big Brothers, Big Sisters Calgary. For more information about mentoring visit bbbscalgary.ca.
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