Good afternoon, Fellows!

Though I’m a day late in posting, I didn’t want to miss the chance to share the amazing work happening at Big Brothers Big Sisters this week!

One of the most impactful experiences I had was attending an event called “Big Affinity.” This gathering celebrated long-term mentors—those who’ve been part of BBBS for 2 to 15 years—who have gone above and beyond in supporting their Littles and exemplifying the core values of mentorship. While attendance was optional, I eagerly volunteered to assist my team and gain insight into the unique challenges and triumphs experienced by these mentors.

My role involved welcoming guests, guiding them to the proper conference spaces, and serving as the lead note-taker. By the end, I had compiled three pages of valuable discussions, suggestions, training ideas, and constructive feedback. The event was deeply insightful and offered a wealth of ideas for improving mentor support.

Learning from Leadership

As part of my internship, I’ve been meeting one-on-one with BBBS staff to learn more about their roles, skills, and journeys within the organization. In earlier weeks, I connected with several Match Support Specialists. More recently, I’ve had the opportunity to engage with the leadership team, and these conversations have been incredibly eye-opening.

During our first learning session, we heard a powerful concept: Leadership means people follow you because they want to, not because they have to. This idea, along with the principle of exercising “power with” instead of “power over,” has stuck with me—and it’s evident that many BBBS leaders embody this approach.

Nearly every director and coordinator I’ve spoken with began their journey as a Match Support Specialist. Their growth stories emphasized two key lessons:

1. It’s okay to start small and grow over time.
2. Give yourself grace—growth takes patience, humility, and a willingness to receive feedback.

We also discussed the challenges of leadership, especially around conflict resolution. Many shared how learning to navigate conflict has helped them foster stronger relationships and more resilient teams. Whether in the nonprofit, corporate, or community sector, developing these interpersonal and leadership skills is essential to building a healthy organizational culture.

One program lead shared a powerful comment that stuck with me: “Match Support Specialists are the heart of this organization. Without them, we couldn’t do our jobs.” That sentiment captures the passion and dedication running through every level of BBBS.

Looking Ahead

Soon, I’ll be visiting our Delaware office for more shadowing and collaboration with the enrollment team in Franklin County. I’m especially excited to support efforts to welcome new volunteers into the BBBS family.

Even though this internship is short-term, I feel deeply connected to the mission and the people here. I’m eager to keep learning and contributing however I can.

Cheers to Week 6—onward to Week 7!