When people think about mentoring, they often focus on what a young person gains from the experience—guidance, encouragement, and support during important moments in life. But for June and her mentee, Angela, participating in our youth mentoring program became something much bigger: a lasting relationship that continues to shape both of their lives.
A Life-Changing Connection
What began as a simple introduction through Orange County United Way’s e-Mentorship Program in 2024 became a meaningful connection that is still thriving today.
For Angela, joining the youth mentoring program came at exactly the right time.
“I joined the e-Mentorship Program because my teacher recommended it to me, and during my senior year of high school, I was in need of a mentor,” she shared.
As a first-generation student preparing for graduation and planning her next steps, she was navigating challenges many students face without a built-in support system. Having someone outside of her immediate circle who had attended college themselves and could offer guidance and encouragement made a significant difference.
For June, the relationship quickly became just as meaningful.
“I had as much fun and learned as much as my mentee did,” June said.
Their connection was built on trust, honest conversations, and a willingness to learn from one another. While June offered guidance from her own experiences, she quickly realized mentorship isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about showing up and building a genuine relationship.
“I think it’s important to be able to share a little bit about yourself, but more importantly, to build a connection with young people,” June said. “It’s beneficial for both.”
Impact Beyond the Program
As the months passed, that connection continued to grow.
One of Angela’s favorite parts of the experience was having someone she could consistently turn to.
“I really enjoyed talking with my mentor and updating her on everything,” Angela shared. “Even when the youth mentoring program was over, we still kept in touch, and I updated her on all my achievements.”
For June, seeing Angela’s growth firsthand has been one of the most rewarding aspects of mentoring.
Now in college, majoring in biology with aspirations to become a veterinarian, Angela is balancing academics and work while continuing to pursue her goals. And June has had a front-row seat to her successes.
“She’s busy and doing great,” June said. “I’m really proud of her.”
Their relationship has become so valuable that Angela even asked June to continue serving as her mentor through her university’s mentorship platform.
“It’s been a great experience to continue the relationship,” June shared.
Opening Doors to New Experiences
The program also introduced opportunities that helped bring potential career paths to life.
One of the most memorable experiences for Angela was a Falck ambulance ride-along that allowed her to explore healthcare careers firsthand.
“I gained hands-on experience, and the EMTs that I shadowed were amazing and answered all my questions,” she said.
Experiences like these can help students see new possibilities for their future while building confidence in their ability to pursue ambitious goals.
The Power of Mentorship
Perhaps the biggest lesson Angela learned was that she didn’t have to navigate life’s challenges alone.
“Something that I learned from this youth mentoring program is that you will always have a support system and that there are people out there who want to help you,” she said. “I think that many students need to hear and see that, to continue being motivated.”
That message resonates deeply with June.
Having benefited from mentorship herself, the experience reinforced something she has always believed: mentorship matters at every stage of life.
“I have mentors now, and I wish I had one in high school,” June reflected. “A youth mentoring program would have been a game changer for me.”
Today, June works with a coach who provides guidance and perspective. That experience has helped her appreciate the importance of creating similar opportunities for young people.
Why Students Need Mentors
For many students, especially those who are the first in their families to pursue higher education, having a mentor can make all the difference.
“Mentorship opportunities like this one are very important because the senior year of high school can be overwhelming, and as a first-generation student, it is hard to navigate how to finish off strong,” Angela explained. “Many students like myself don’t have people in their lives who went to college and who can guide us.”
Her experience highlights why youth mentoring programs remain so critical. A caring mentor can help students navigate uncertainty, build confidence, and envision a future filled with possibility.
And sometimes, one meaningful connection can continue long after a program ends.
“Just keep doing what you are doing with this program,” Angela added. “Many students are in need of mentors, and it is very important to have guidance.”
Support Local Youth Mentorship Programs
June and Angela’s story is proof that a strong youth mentoring program creates benefits far beyond a single school year. Students gain encouragement, guidance, and opportunities they may not otherwise have access to. Mentors gain meaningful relationships, new perspectives, and the chance to help shape a young person’s future.
Today, we are working to bring our youth mentoring program back so more students can experience the support, encouragement, and life-changing connections that helped transform this mentor-mentee relationship.
Your support can help connect students with caring mentors who can inspire confidence, expand opportunities, and remind young people that they do not have to navigate their future alone.
Together, we can create more stories like this one—stories that begin with a single conversation and grow into lifelong connections.
Help Bring Mentorship Back
Help provide more students with the guidance, encouragement, and meaningful connections that can shape their future.
Continue Reading
A First-Generation Student’s Journey Through a Career Readiness Program
How College Prep Academy Changed Senior Year for One OC Student
How Student Success Programs are Helping Underserved Students Achieve Greatness
Watch real-life success stories:
Hear from more individuals who have participated in Orange County United Way programs.
Learn more about our programs:
Youth mentorship programs are made possible through Orange County United Way’s United for Student Success initiative, which aims to empower local students by offering educational programs that provide the support they need to stay on track in school, graduate high school on time, and ensure they are college and career-ready.
Get involved and be UNITED4OC:
You can be a part of a community effort to improve lives.
