This past summer I had the honor of serving as the Unit Head for a group of 50+ high schoolers. The campers arrived at the campsite at the end of June confused, uncomfortable, judgmental and often self-conscious (to be expected of a group of boys and girls that just completed their first year of high school). However, when they left Camp in August, each and every camper had grown into a more loving, understanding, mature and confident version of him or herself.

At my camp, it is tradition that these “Senior Campers,” as they’re referred to, write letters of thanks to each of their staff members at the end of the summer. These letters bring me to tears each time I read them; they remind why I returned to Camp for so many summers and spent every last ounce of energy to ensuring that the transition I described above actually happened. Beyond that though, the content of those letters reminds me of how crucial it is for kids to have a mentor in their lives. Often times, this role is not and cannot be fulfilled by parents, friends or other family members.

I’ve always loved kids and playing a role in their positive development. To be honest, I still consider myself a kid at heart. So when I moved to Detroit, I knew I wanted to find a way to fulfill this passion. General Motors has a partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro-Detroit and so when I received an email about signing up for the Lunch Buddies program, I didn’t hesitate.

I knew that the kids I would be working with would likely have grown up very differently than the kids that I’ve worked with in the past. I was nervous, but excited to get started. On the first week of the program, I met my little sister: a shy, 3rd grade student with a big smile. For the first few months I could tell how uncomfortable she was. As the youngest of four kids at home, she wasn’t always the center of attention and didn’t know how to react to my interest in her school, social and home life. Each time we did an activity, I made her read the material aloud and sound out each word she didn’t know. I asked a million questions and expected full answers.

Now, just a few months later, she asks questions of me and tells me stories about her weekend. Just last week, we had the chance to participate in the Take Your Kid To Work Day Science Fair at GM. The smile on her face from the moment she walked in was not paired with the shy nature I observed a few months ago; I could tell her confidence had tripled. We bounced from exhibit to exhibit, learning about waves and energy and eating freeze-dried ice cream. At the end of the day she hugged me and I was brought back to the feeling I got reading the letters my campers wrote me last summer.

My hope is that our relationship will continue to grow even outside the program and that this one little girl, one of millions of kids that could use a little bit more attention, will one day realize the impact she can have on others like her. I know she still has a lot of growing to do, but who doesn’t?

There are a ton of great mentorship programs available to get involved with. I encourage you all to look into giving just an hour or two a month if you can. Each program is different, so see what works best for you and jump right in. You’d be surprised how much you learn from them.