When Scott first signed up for community-based mentoring, he wasn’t sure what to expect. After being matched with his little, he expressed his concerns with the age difference and whether it might make it difficult for them to connect. He questioned whether they would truly bond or have much in common.
What he didn’t know, was that sometimes the most meaningful relationships grow from the simplest of routines.
Once a week, Scott and his little would head out to a restaurant together for some food, and every week, his little would order the same menu item, the chicken fingers. Over time, their weekly outings became more than just dinner, they became something that both of them looked forward to. One day, Scott was having an especially difficult time. Life felt overwhelming, and after a long day, all he could think about was how he needed to see his little, and get some chicken fingers.
It was in that moment, Scott said that he had realized something important. While he had signed up thinking he would be the one making a difference in a child’s life, his little had also made a meaningful difference in his. What started as volunteering had turned into a genuine friendship. One built on consistency, trust, laughter, and yes, chicken fingers.
Now, nearly a year into their match, Scott and his little are still going strong. Their story is a reminder that mentorship doesn’t just impact one person. Sometimes, the person who volunteers ends up needing the connection just as much.
