Real Stories, Lasting Impact
Behind every successful match is a story of connection, growth, and possibility. These are the real experiences of mentors and mentees in our program—proof that when someone believes in you, everything can change.
When our mentee arrived in Spokane from Colombia in January 2024, everything felt unfamiliar. She spoke no English. Her mom was working hard to build a new life for her and her sister with limited resources. The world felt small and uncertain.
Ten months later, she was standing on the campus of Gonzaga University, watching international students lead cultural events - students who looked like her, who had crossed oceans like she had, who were thriving. Her mentor, a 33-year-old professor who is also an immigrant, stood beside her, translating when needed, as her mentee witnessed what's possible.
Since their match in October 2024, this mentor has intentionally opened doors her mentee didn't know existed. Their outings center on cultural experiences - museums, performances, university events - each one expanding this young woman's sense of what's possible for her future. The mentor isn't just teaching her mentee about Spokane; she's showing her that being bilingual and bicultural isn't a barrier to overcome - it's a strength to celebrate. She knows this firsthand.
This young woman is beginning to imagine a life she never thought possible. And it started with one person who had walked a similar path.
In March 2015, a fourth grader walked into their first meeting with their new mentor—curious, hopeful, and maybe a little uncertain about what this relationship would mean. Nine years later, they crossed the stage at their high school graduation with their mentor cheering them on, just as they had been all along.
Over those nine years, their bond deepened through countless shared moments: flour-dusted afternoons baking together, creative sewing projects sprawled across the table, and the quiet concentration of shaping clay at pottery classes. They treated themselves to pedicures, wandered through Green Bluff's orchards each fall, indulged in donuts (lots of donuts!), swayed to music at concerts, and explored trails on long hikes. Each outing became part of their story.
When asked how they watched their mentee change over the years, the mentor's answer was simple but profound: "Confidence. They know who they are now. They're comfortable in their own skin."
For the mentee, the impact was just as clear. "From the beginning, I thought this was a great opportunity for me—to have a mentor," they reflect. "When things got rough sometimes, and they did get rough, I had extra support from my mentor. They encouraged me to try new things and supported me. They still support me!"
She arrived at the program socially withdrawn, uncertain of her place in the world. Making friends felt overwhelming. College felt like a distant dream—something meant for other people, not for her. But her mentor saw something different and knew exactly where to start: with new experiences and opportunities to connect.
Together, they stepped outside comfort zones. They picked up tennis rackets and learned to volley. They started their own two-person book club, discussing stories over coffee. They tried ax throwing, laughing through near-misses and celebrating bullseyes. Each new adventure became a chance to discover hidden strengths and build confidence.
Slowly, things began to shift. The skills she practiced with her mentor—trying new things, opening up, taking risks—started spilling over into the rest of her life. She reached out, building friendships that grew strong and lasting. The girl who once kept to herself now radiates warmth and connection. And that distant dream of college? She's headed there now, ready to write the next chapter of her story.
Both mentor and mentee describe their relationship as life-changing. "It was a wonderful journey," they reflect together. "We both benefited in so many ways. What we gained during this experience was far more than we ever believed possible.”