A lasting friendship
BBBS Peer Mentoring Program creates special memories
With the end of another school year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colchester is highlighting one of our amazing matches in our Peer Mentoring Program: Chloé and Jessica.
Although students were faced with uncertainty and many changes throughout the year, they persevered and created great memories during this challenging time. Mentor Chloé and mentee Jessica have built a strong friendship during the past year.
Chloé and Jessica first met through the Shared Reading Program at Cobequid Educational Centre in Truro. They met once or twice a week during reading period to read together. This is where they began to form their friendship. Once Chloé signed up to be a peer mentor and was matched with Jessica, they had the ability to grow their friendship even more. They were able to spend more time together and completed many fun activities together during their lunch breaks.
Chloé described her mentee Jessica as someone who is “caring, kind, funny, and someone who radiates positivity at all times of day.”
Chloé said her favourite memories of being a peer mentor were the normal dayto-day moments.
“There is always something happening in room 11 where we spend most of our lunches. There is always a craft to do or someone telling jokes. It is such a positive space that never failed to put a smile on my face by the time lunch was over.”
Chloé said the initiative has made a big difference in her life.
“The program has had so many positive impacts on me, and I cannot begin to express how grateful I am that I got to be part of such a wonderful group of people. The program has really shown me the value in developing a friendship that is built on trust and kindness. I have watched Jessica come out of her shell, build confidence, and become a true friend to many, including myself. I have made friends with other mentees and mentors ... I feel as though I am part of a family, who all supports and uplifts each other.”
As a mentor, Chloé felt she was someone who Jessica trusted and respected and added those sentiments were mutual.
Jessica said Chloé is “nice, easy going, very kind, and has a very good sense of humour.” Jessica enjoyed the time she spent with Chloé during the school year and recalled one of her favourite memories.
“Doing lots of arts and crafts with Chloé,” she said. “Chloé is my best friend, role model, someone I can trust and someone I can look up to if I’m having some issues or problems in my life. I like Chloé a lot.”
Jessica recommended other students join the peer mentoring program because “it’s a great way to get to have a best friend and to do fun things together.”
Chloé was one of this year’s recipients of the Michelle Misener Building Futures Bursary awarded by BBBS. Chloé not only volunteered with the Peer Mentoring Program but also founded the CEC knitting club, taught two ballets classes at Cobequid Dance Academy, volunteered with the United Way Youth Committee, was part of Nova Scotia’s Youth Orchestra, volunteered with CEC’S Environmental Club and the Interact Rotary Club, to name only a few of her community involvements.
This fall she is attending Mount Allison University to pursue a B.A. double majoring in geography and international relations. She hopes to make the future a more equal and sustainable place for all. She added wherever she finds herself in the future she hopes to be an active proponent for change. Congratulations Chloé. Everyone at BBBS wishes you the best and knows you will make a positive impact in your future endeavours.