My name is Stanislava (Stasi) and I am from Bulgaria. I am an event organizer with a professional background in psychology and many of my interests revolve around volunteering, civic engagement and young people.
In February 2025, I joined the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) mentoring program because it brought together many of the things I genuinely care about. Whether I am organizing an event, taking part in a volunteer initiative, or working with young people, I always try to do something that leaves a positive impact and is useful to others. This is also what motivated me to become a mentor.
BBBS gave me the opportunity to experience this in a much more personal way and reminded me that sometimes making a difference starts with something as simple as giving someone your time. And this is where Antiya comes into the story- my mentee and probably the best match BBBS could have found for me. She reminds me so much of myself a few years ago, which makes our connection even more special.
To build a bond with a person that you have never seen before is magical. It feels unreal because it is hard to explain to people that this is truly about giving love and support without expecting anything in return. That is the whole emotion behind it- you create something special with truly pure feelings.
I can affirm that this experience has been incredibly rewarding. It has boosted my confidence, as the knowledge that you are helping someone thrive naturally reflects back on you. Furthermore, it has increased my appreciation for life. Witnessing my mentee navigate challenges puts past worries into perspective, reminding me to cherish the present. Engaging in activities with her is extremely fulfilling- you introduce them to new concepts, support their learning and increase their self-worth. Seeing their joy over simple things is remarkable. It is amazing how a simple two-hour activity can have a real impact on them and leave lasting and joyful memories.
I highly recommend mentoring to everyone- remember, time is never an issue. I joined the program during my final year as a university student, probably the busiest one- the most difficult exams and a lot of stress around writing my thesis. Join and experience it for yourself. It is one of those things that you don’t think you need until you do it.