More Than a Mentor: Reflecting on a Decade of Growth with Big Brothers Big Sisters
For more than ten years, I have had the privilege of being part of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana. It’s a journey that began when I was just 8 eight years old. At that age, I didn’t fully understand what it meant to have a mentor. I just knew I was being paired with someone who would spend time with me, listen to me, and support me. What I didn’t realize then was that this relationship would become one of the most impactful and defining parts of my life.
Jazmin and her mentor, Elizabeth / Photo provided
My mentor, Elizabeth, has been a constant source of encouragement, guidance, and positivity. She has been there for me through some of my biggest milestones. Moments that have shaped who I am today. From celebrating my achievements in school to supporting me as I took the leap into starting college, Elizabeth has always shown up. Her presence during those transitions reminded me that I was never alone, even when things felt uncertain.
But mentorship is not only about celebrating the highs, it’s about standing strong during the lows. There have been difficult moments in my life when I needed someone to lean on, someone who would listen without judgment and help me find my way forward. Elizabeth has been that person. She has helped me shift my mindset, encouraging me to stay positive and resilient even when life felt overwhelming. Her belief in me often came at times when I struggled to believe in myself.
what is big brothers big sisters of kentuckiana?
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana matches youth ages 7-16 (“Littles”) in the Louisville area and Southern Indiana with volunteer mentors (“Bigs”) through a variety of community and facilitated programs, providing consistent support and resources to help each mentoring match thrive. Mentoring is proven to help youth improve their confidence and mental health, graduate high school on time, and avoid involvement with the juvenile justice system.
Through this program, I have learned that mentorship is not just about guidance—it is about connection, consistency, and care. It is about having someone who sees your potential even when you cannot. The impact of having a mentor goes far beyond childhood; it shapes confidence, decision-making, and the ability to navigate life’s challenges.
As I reflect on more than a decade with Big Brothers Big Sisters, I recognize that this experience has played a crucial role in my personal growth. It has influenced the way I approach relationships, my commitment to giving back, and my desire to support others the way I have been supported. Mentorship creates a ripple effect. One relationship can inspire a lifetime of impact.
Jazmin Martinez Diaz / Photo by Jalayne Tillery
Programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters are not just beneficial; they are essential. They provide young people with stability, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. My story is just one example of what is possible when someone takes the time to invest in a young person’s future.
There are over 200 young people ready to be matched with a mentor today. Learn how you can make a difference as a mentor by visiting bbbsky.org.
Jazmin Martinez Diaz is a Kentucky native studying early childhood education at the University of Louisville.