Mentor: Shelby Babson, MOJOs Bar-B-Que

• What do you enjoy the most about mentoring?
  • I enjoy seeing her grow as a student and person. Seeing her academic and social skills grow make it all worthwhile.
• How long have you been mentoring?
  • Six months.
• What are some of things you and your mentee do during your session?
  • We typically enjoy talking about life and studying together. This year we plan on reading books together and discussing them.
• What inspired you to become a mentor?
  • I was taking a college course centered on children and it inspired me to volunteer. Doing some research led me to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida.
• What are some goals that you and your mentee set?
  • We are working on improving her reading level and emotional well-being.
• What is your favorite memory with your mentee so far?
  • Her face lit up when I came to visit her. I think about that moment all the time. Knowing that I have such an impact on someone’s day is a wonderful feeling.
• Is there anything you would like to share with others about your mentoring experience?
  • The match is not just about what I can do for her as a mentor. She also helps me develop as a better person. We learn from each other.

Mentee: Donisha, Matthew Gilbert Middle School 

• What do you like most about your mentor?
  • I feel like she understands me and what I go through.
• What is the best advice you have received from your mentor?
  • The best advice I received from her was to be myself and never feel self-conscious about it.
• What is your favorite memory with your mentor so far?
  • It was one of the first times we met, and I learned that we had more in common that I originally thought.
• What are some accomplishments that you have accomplished with your mentor?
  • She helped me improve academically and socially.