Service has always been a big part of my life growing up. I went to Catholic school, and one of the main points they always emphasized was to give back to your community. It was always something that had stuck with me.

Becoming a mentor was something I had heard others doing, but never knew how to get involved with myself. It wasn't until high school that I learned I could join Big Brothers Big Sisters. I couldn't wait to get involved.

The program that was run through my high school was not very organized at all. Sure, I went every week and met with the child that I was assigned, but it didn't feel like I was making too much of a difference.

My college holds the same program, and I decided to rejoin, hoping that it would be different. While the process to clear my background check took a while, once I met my little everything was worth it.

Each week our relationship builds and getting to see how excited he is when I walk into his classroom is such an indescribable feeling. These past few weeks he has been opening up more as we sit and play board games or even throw a football around outside. The smile he gets is why everyone should choose to be a mentor.

Most of these kids don't have a steady home life. They need someone that they can depend on. Even if it's just for one hour a week while you talk and play board games. To them, it makes a world of difference.

Mentoring is a major responsibility. I don't take it lightly. And even though I may complain about having to get up an hour earlier before class to get there, when I walk out my attitude has completely changed.

I can see by being there every week that he sees me as his friend. The feeling you get when they can openly talk to you is something I have never felt before.

I love my little and enjoy every minute spent with him. Mentoring is something I am proud to do and would recommend it to anyone who asks.