With only four days under my belt submerged in the nonprofit world, I feel completely different. I feel constantly energized to learn more about the tremendous impact Big Brothers Big Sisters is having on the community, and seeing the behind the scenes of exactly how they’re doing it. In meeting each member of the team, I can feel their pride for the work that they do and their passion for the kids that they help.

One of the most personally impactful moments I have experienced in these four, full days at Big Brothers Big Sisters is getting the full, half-day training that goes into the making of a mentor. This is not your typical first-day training for a new job where you view a video and fill out a form. This is Amber, a veteran Trainer at Mentor Ohio (an arm of BBBS), getting into the nitty gritty of mentoring children. In her time in the field as both a trainer and a therapist, she has witnessed an extensive range of children in dangerous situations that has negatively impacted their development, and ultimately their lives. The trauma many of these kids experience is real, ranging from abuse to incarcerated parents. Coming from an affluent community, fortunately with no life-altering traumas in my past, it can be hard to understand and to relate to kids experiencing just that. Similarly, many of the mentors have trouble getting the perspective that is absolutely necessary for building a relationship with these kids. The graphic (see attached) made me stop and reflect on myself, the people in my life, and the people I want to serve. How are we different? What do we value? How can I bridge the gap between my upbringing and theirs to mutually benefit from our vastly different life experiences? The training tugs at your heart strings, but also makes you think deeply about how you view other people. The mindset needed to be in the field of social service focuses on openness and perspective to understand the community you’re serving. I hope to continue to feel my mindset change and grow as my time as a fellow continues.

I’ve come to realize being a public servant is just that: perspective. Viewing groups and communities through a nonjudgmental lens, with an open-mind, and a desire to listen and understand. If more humans in our communities recognized the importance of understanding those in different life situations from our own, communication would flow beautifully and controversy could be mitigated. I hope to continue to develop this truly life-changing perspective as the weeks progress.