October Mentor: Vanessa G.

The October Mentor of the Month is Vanessa G.! Vanessa always looked for ways to help those around me in whatever capacity she can. As the oldest of four siblings, she’s naturally gravitated toward a role that allows her to support and guide others. She was also inspired by my uncle, who mentored through the Big Brothers program. Coming from a military family, mentoring with Tuesday’s Promise felt like a meaningful way to give back to the community that she grew up in. 

For Vanessa, the most rewarding part of mentoring has been the opportunity to grow alongside her mentee. As Vanessa approaches her third year in this role, it has been a privilege to watch her mentee grow and evolve. One of Vanessa’s favorite parts of our relationship has been their Zoom calls, affectionately titled “Girl Talk.” Despite the distance from where Vanessa lives in California and her mentee lives in Oregon, these calls have given them a space to share their lives, exchange experiences, and connect openly. It’s been especially rewarding to see how the relationship grows over time.

Vanessa’s advice to new mentors is to be patient, stay open-minded, and prioritize building a genuine connection with your mentee. You don’t need all the answers or to know exactly what to say in every situation. Sometimes, simply being present, listening, and showing up consistently can make the biggest difference. Mentoring is a two-way relationship, and there is so much to learn from each other along.

Outside of mentoring, Vanessa loves reading and spending time outdoors. She also enjoys exploring her city with her boyfriend and friends, discovering new places and trying new things together. Between pursuing a master’s degree and working full-time, life can get pretty busy, but she always makes time to unwind with a good movie.