Brandon was just a kid from the neighborhood – strong but unsure of himself, often feeling like an outsider among his peers. One day, his life took an unexpected turn when his neighbor Ron pulled him aside and asked for help assembling scaffolding. Brandon was stunned. He had no idea what to do, but the fact that Ron saw potential in him sparked a powerful moment of self-discovery.
For Brandon, being seen and valued by Ron was transformative. Ron did not treat him like a boy or a project; he treated him like someone capable of greatness. He recognized something in Brandon that Brandon had not yet seen in himself. This was not just about scaffolding – it was about empowerment, respect, and trust. Ron was a mentor who believed in Brandon’s abilities long before Brandon could. His leadership went beyond teaching a skill; it was about fostering self-confidence and inspiring growth.
Most of us have a “Ron” in our lives – someone who helped shape our values, taught us to engage meaningfully with others, and showed us how to trust ourselves. Mentors like Ron offer more than guidance; they create a foundation for personal development through love, respect, and patience. They do not impose expectations but nurture curiosity and exploration. Through these relationships, we learn the art of building trust – not just with others, but with ourselves.
January is National Mentoring Month – a time to reflect on the life-changing power of mentorship. One organization making a significant impact is Boys to Men Mentoring, supported by a dedicated group of men who show up week after week to guide over 850 boys across San Diego County. These mentors do more than teach life skills – they create safe spaces where boys can grow, reflect, and discover their true potential. They listen, accept, and empower the boys to become the best versions of themselves.
At Boys to Men, mentors are trained to meet boys where they are – listening without judgment, taking their words at face value, and asking open-ended questions that spark self-reflection. Questions like “How is that working for you?” and “If you could change something, what would it be?” prompt boys to explore their true desires and take responsibility for their choices. Every time a boy makes a positive choice, mentors are there to reinforce it with a text or phone call, offering encouragement and support as they continue their journey toward growth and self-discovery.
Mentorship is a transformative partnership where both mentor and mentee learn from one another, grow together, and forge a lasting bond. For mentors, the joy of witnessing a young man’s success brings a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment.
As social beings, we thrive in community – and that is exactly what Boys to Men is creating. These intergenerational communities are rooted in unconditional love, open-hearted listening, acceptance, and encouragement. This January, consider joining this movement as a mentor. Whether you can give an hour a week or a lifetime of support, your presence could change a young man’s life – and enrich your own in ways you never imagined.
To learn more, contact Boys to Men at (619) 469-9599 or visit www.BoysToMen.org.
