Middle school can be one of the hardest chapters in a young person’s life.
Too old for childhood, not quite ready for the independence of high school, so many students find themselves caught in the middle – searching for belonging, wrestling with self-doubt, and wondering if anyone really sees them.
At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina, we know this stage matters. It’s why we’ve built Middle School Group Mentoring programs and why we continue to grow our community-based matches. Both create one powerful thing that changes everything: connection.
In our groups, students sit in circles where they are invited to speak honestly and be heard. They laugh, they share struggles, they talk about big dreams. For some, it’s the first time an adult has leaned in and said, “Tell me what you think. Tell me what you hope for.” And that small shift – being noticed – can change the way a child carries themselves into the world.
That’s exactly what happened with Sarah, a quiet sixth grader who shuffled into her first session with her eyes on the floor. She barely spoke above a whisper. She didn’t believe she had anything worth saying.
But week by week, something changed. The mentors kept showing up. They asked questions. They celebrated her small contributions. Slowly, her voice grew steadier. By spring, Sarah was the one raising her hand first, sharing her dream of becoming a teacher. That spark of confidence carried over into her one-to-one match with her Big Sister, who now takes her to the library, helps with homework, and reminds her again and again: “You matter. You’re capable. I believe in you.”
This is what mentoring looks like. It’s not flashy. It doesn’t make headlines. But it’s real, and it’s powerful.
And this is where you come in. You don’t have to have all the answers. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be willing. Willing to listen, willing to laugh, willing to share even the smallest of moments.
You are the one who shows them that they matter, that their voice is worth hearing, and that their future can be brighter than they imagined.
Join us. Become a Big. Support our programs. Help us reach the children who are still waiting. Together, we can give them what every child deserves: the chance to feel seen, heard, and full of possibility.
Say yes today. Be the reason a child believes in tomorrow. Find out more at bbbswnc.org/tag/jackson-county.
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