This month, we’re thrilled to spotlight Alijah as our Mentor of the Month—an inspiring presence in our BBBSO community whose compassion, creativity, and perspective continue to leave a lasting impact.

For Alijah, mentorship came naturally. “I’ve always loved kids and helping people,” they shared. “So helping kids felt like a great opportunity to do something I love and change lives—even if it’s just for a short time.” That short time, however, can mean everything to a young person.

Since becoming a mentor, Alijah has grown just as much as the youth they support. “Being a mentor has taught me a lot—that patience is key, that change doesn’t happen overnight, and that I really can do this. I can do something I love, be good at it, and make the world a better place—even if it’s just by making my kids smile when they see me.”

Their love for butterflies is a perfect metaphor for how they see their mentees: “Butterflies go through so much change, but end up being beautiful. Just like humans.” Alijah cherishes creative moments, often spending time drawing or colouring with their mentees. “I love seeing their creative side and letting them show who they are.”

One moment that stands out for Alijah came during a quiet conversation with a mentee: “She told me something personal and said, ‘I’ve never told anyone that before.’ I’m just glad I was a safe person she felt she could share that with.”

Reflecting on their journey, Alijah offers a heartfelt message: “Don’t take life so seriously. Smell the flowers. Wear that outfit. If someone judges, it may have made someone else’s day just by being you.”

To those considering mentorship, Alijah is honest and encouraging: “It’s a hard job, but very rewarding. You’ll look back and think about how much they’ve bloomed. And it’s okay if a match doesn’t work out—there’s only so much you can do, and that’s okay.”

We’re grateful for mentors like Alijah—who lead with empathy, meet youth where they are, and remind us that even the smallest gestures can help someone grow.