Rebecca Shelley’s Journey as a Mentor with BBBSN
When Rebecca Shelley, Executive Director of the Grimsby and District Chamber of Commerce, thought about becoming a Big Sister, she knew it had to fit into her busy life.
“In-school mentoring was a natural choice,” she says. “It’s a defined one-hour-a-week commitment. I could put it in my calendar, show up fully present, and know I could keep up without it being stressful.”
Rebecca had known about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara for years and admired its impact. Encouragement from a board member who loved her own mentoring experience finally pushed her to sign up.
“I didn’t want to wait till I think I have time. I want to make the time for the stuff that I’m going to look back on and be glad I did.”
First Meetings and Building Trust
Rebecca admits she was a bit nervous at first.
“I don’t have kids of my own, but I was excited to meet her and get to know her.”
Early challenges came up, but Rebecca chose not to focus on them.
“I just pretended everything was normal. We were two people getting to know each other.”
With support from her BBBSN caseworker, the match adapted and began to thrive.
Rebecca learned to meet her mentee where she was, letting go, and learning how to be “fun and ridiculous instead of rainy adult.”
Her mentee loved to draw, and art became a way to connect.
“Sometimes it was as simple as, ‘Draw me what you had for lunch today.’ We’d laugh together over our sketches,” Rebecca says. “Once I tried to draw a desk, but it looked more like a flying toaster.”
“Finding creative ways to connect kept her engaged and made our time together meaningful.”
Lessons Learned and Unexpected Joys
One surprise for Rebecca was how calming mentoring felt.
“It’s the opposite of a work stressor. That hour was just for my mentee. I was 100 per cent in the moment.”
She also watched her mentee grow from very shy to more confident, communicative, and willing to take initiative during their time together.
The Power of Authenticity
For Rebecca, mentorship is about showing up as yourself.
“Mentoring isn’t about succeeding or achieving. It’s about helping youth feel comfortable being their authentic selves.”
She remembers a moment with her second match during a craft project.
“She said, ‘I know how I’m going to make this mine.’ That creativity and individuality is what I want to encourage.”
Integrating Mentorship into Life and Work
Mentorship has become part of Rebecca’s family life too. Her husband and stepdaughter often ask about her match and share ideas.
“It’s become part of our family conversations.”
Professionally, it has strengthened her belief in giving back.
“Volunteering creates visibility. It shows others that it can be done, and it should be.”
A Call to Working Professionals
“Do it. Make the time for what’s important. You’ll never regret it.”
Rebecca believes the business community has a big role to play, even in small ways.
“It doesn’t have to be thousands of dollars or hours every week. It can be as small as an hour a week. It all helps.”
Why Niagara Needs Mentors Now
The need for mentors is real across Grimsby and Niagara.
“Connecting youth to positive adult relationships and to possibility is huge. We’ve never had a generation that feels so disconnected.”
Rebecca hopes business leaders will lead by example.
“Maybe you do it for ten years, maybe just a few matches, but you’ve made a huge difference in those kids’ lives.”
Her story is a reminder during BBBSN Month that making time for what matters is never wasted. One hour a week can change a young person’s life, and yours too.
If you’ve ever wondered if you have what it takes to be a mentor, Rebecca’s answer is simple. You do. Why wait? Start today.