A mentor program through the Dhillon School of Business at the University of Lethbridge recently celebrated 10 years of making a difference in the lives of Indigenous students and alumni.
“There’s something truly special about being able to play a role, however small, in someone else’s journey of self-discovery and personal growth,” says mentor Aysha Partington, a 2024 Spring Convocation graduate. “From the initial stages of building trust and rapport to the moments of breakthrough and achievement, every interaction with my mentees has been filled with mutual learning and growth. Their willingness to step out of their comfort zones, tackle obstacles head-on and embrace new opportunities has taught me the importance of courage, perseverance and the power of resilience.”
The program is part of ULethbridge’s Indigenous student support system. In its 10 years in existence, it has seen more than 45 mentors and 100 mentees benefit from its activities and includes participation from Indigenous middle, high school and university students and alumni.
“After having the program run for so long, we’re now seeing the results of being consistent in its offering,” says Maria Livingston, ULethbridge’s Indigenous Youth Mentorship Program coordinator. “I’d say seeing the larger impact of how these smaller activities add up to bigger goals is the greatest success of the program. Supporting the mentees’ goals and encouraging them to reach their full potential is really what this program is all about.”
All program activities are free for mentors and mentees and include everything from beading, hand drum making and hoop dancing to pizza parties, bowling and axe throwing.
For Partington, joining the program was an easy decision, one she says was driven by a desire to be the mentor she never had.
“I saw it as an opportunity to provide the kind of support and guidance I longed for growing up. By sharing my experiences, offering advice and serving as a role model, I hope to empower Indigenous youth to navigate similar challenges with resilience and pride in their cultural heritage,” adds Partington.