Over the past semesters, I’ve focused on essential principles that drive meaningful action—coordinating meetings with my team or contacting organizations to collaborate on mentorship. The goal has always been to find common ground, ensuring we respect boundaries while making a positive impact. One fundamental principle stands out: actively engaging with the community.

In my second year of college, peer mentoring brought this to life. Instead of just talking about mentorship, we took action. Throughout the year, my team and I worked with the Boys and Girls Club, mentoring kids who came after school. This was their chance to study, connect with us, and build lasting relationships. It became more than just mentorship. It was about creating bonds and making a real difference in their lives.

We organized teams and activities beyond surface-level interactions, allowing mentors and mentees to understand each other. What we learned is that effective mentorship isn’t just about giving instructions—it’s about sharing experiences and building trust.

While I’m proud of what we achieved, there’s still so much more I want to accomplish before I graduate. One goal I have is to improve how we communicate through images. Visual storytelling can open perspectives, helping people understand the importance of mentoring—even those who may not be familiar with it. Capturing moments from our work with the Boys and Girls Club, with diverse backgrounds and stories, can highlight how mentorship is a shared journey, open to anyone willing to lend a hand.

This semester, our focus has been on sharing more powerful stories. Whether you’re a mentee, mentor, or someone interested in learning more, our use of visual communication will help us effectively share our experiences. These stories are not just narratives but valuable insights that can inspire others to get involved in the transformative power of mentorship.