For Womor, getting involved with BBBSO started as an adventure鈥攁nd grew into something far more meaningful. While she has been in an active mentor-mentee match for just over a year, her connection to BBBSO spans nearly two years, beginning with her participation in the Ottawa Youth Race.
With a team lead, her younger brother and another teammate, Womor raced across the city, visiting various locations and pushing herself outside her comfort zone. 鈥淲e ended in 4th place that year,鈥 she shares proudly. That experience, combined with a recommendation from a family friend, sparked her interest in the BBBSO mentorship program鈥攁 decision that would soon have a lasting impact on her life.
From the very beginning, Womor鈥檚 mentorship experience exceeded expectations. 鈥淢y experience was beyond anything I expected,鈥 she says. She connected instantly with her mentor, Emily, starting with their first online meeting. It didn鈥檛 take long to discover shared interests, including a love of reading and board games, which helped lay the foundation for a strong and natural connection.
Time spent together quickly became something Womor looked forward to. Whether they were hiking, cooking, playing mini golf or bowling, enjoying board games, or even spending time at the spa, each activity brought new memories. Some of Womor鈥檚 favourite moments happened during car rides, where conversation flowed easily. 鈥淚 loved listening to and learning from the stories she鈥檇 share,鈥 Womor says, adding that she often kept Emily updated on school and her job along the way.
One especially meaningful milestone came when Womor and Emily attended the Big Shout Out Event together, where they officially celebrated their one-year match anniversary鈥攁 moment that symbolized how far their relationship had grown.
Among all the memories they鈥檝e shared, one stands out above the rest. 鈥淲ithout a doubt, my favourite moment with Emily was when she took me to the spa to celebrate my birthday,鈥 Womor says. 鈥淲ords can鈥檛 describe how calming and relaxing it all was!鈥 The experience left a lasting impression. 鈥淭he spa was incredibly beautiful and we had a lot of fun. I am forever grateful to Emily for taking me there.鈥
Beyond the activities and celebrations, mentorship has given Womor valuable insight and guidance. 鈥淢y experience with Emily has opened my eyes to the world of adulting a little more,鈥 she reflects. Emily鈥檚 advice has helped her navigate different challenges and approach life with greater confidence.
Being part of BBBSO has had a lasting impact on Womor鈥檚 life. 鈥淚t allowed me to form a long-lasting friendship and gave me the chance to participate in activities I鈥檇 never gotten the chance to do,鈥 she says. For Womor, mentorship means 鈥渇orming connections, receiving guidance, and being supported to achieve your goals.鈥
When asked to describe her experience in just one phrase, her answer says it all: 鈥淏eyond my wildest dreams!鈥
For anyone considering joining BBBSO, Womor doesn鈥檛 hesitate. 鈥淚 would highly recommend joining BBBSO,鈥 she says. 鈥淭he mentorship program is a great way to form deep connections with someone and go on new adventures together.鈥 Her story is a powerful reminder of the confidence, connection, and possibility that mentorship can unlock.

