The idea of mentoring first crossed my mind during one of those long, quiet COVID lockdowns in 2020. Maybe it was the cabin fever, or just a moment of clarity, but I realised I wanted to do something meaningful after it was over—something that felt worthwhile. Of course, actually starting was another thing entirely. I wasn’t sure where to begin, so the idea just sat there, waiting for the right time.
Fast forward a couple of years, and I started working at Origin and regularly volunteering through the Origin Energy Foundation. When the chance to become a youth mentor with the Raise Foundation came up, it immediately caught my eye. This was it—the structured opportunity I’d been looking for, with all the information I needed and the bonus of being able to ask colleagues who’d been involved with Raise about their experiences. Their encouragement gave me the final push I needed to sign up.
I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I knew what I wanted to offer: a space where a young person felt comfortable, where they knew someone was there for them, ready to listen and give them their full attention.
Meeting my mentee for the first time was both exciting and slightly nerve-wracking. But from the start, we just clicked. I’ll never forget how there were so many abstract things about which we had the same thoughts, same likes and same passions. It became a running joke between us that we were destined to be matched.
Even though my mentee was a bit reserved in group settings, one-on-one they came alive. They shared stories about their vast and interesting hobbies, and I shared some of my own. Our conversations were always engaging and fun. I remember thinking, “This is going to be a really special experience.”
As the weeks went on, I started to see just how much potential my mentee had. I noticed so many incredible aspects of their personality, and I hoped that, over the course of the mentoring program, they would feel comfortable and confident sharing them with everyone, not just me.
One week during a mentor support session, we were asked what we thought our mentees needed most from the program. I shared my thoughts about potential goals for my mentee, and when the program counsellor agreed, it was a reassuring moment. It’s hard to know if you’re getting it right as a first-time mentor, but that conversation made me feel like I was on the right track. A few weeks later, it felt even more rewarding when my mentee was asked the same question and came up with the exact same goals—I knew we were on the same page!
Each week, I watched my mentee grow, and it was clear that all the mentees were growing too. The conversations became livelier, stronger connections were forming, and the mentees were more engaged in group activities—volunteering to speak up and answer questions without hesitation. By the end, the group’s confidence was shining, and it was incredibly rewarding to see everyone feeling more at ease and self-assured.
Some of the most moving experiences I had as a mentor came from seemingly small moments. Watching the mentees connect with each other in meaningful ways that went beyond just having fun—moments where they had respectful conversations, held their boundaries, and expressed their needs—showed me that the guidance we were offering as mentors was paying off. While it was tempting to step in and direct these interactions, I learned that there was often more power in staying quiet and letting them figure it out on their own. Watching the mentees practice these skills, especially when they navigated them with confidence, felt like such a big step. It was these small shifts along the way that made all the difference, and I could see the pride mentees were feeling in those moments, and honestly, I felt proud too.
Volunteer Raise mentors work with young people
For me, being part of Raise was just as impactful as it was for my mentee. Life gets busy, and having that weekly time carved out to connect with my mentee and fellow mentors was grounding. It kept things in perspective and reminded me of what really matters.
I also learned so much from my mentee and the other young people in the program. At this stage of my life, I don’t have much contact with teenagers, so it was fascinating to see how they view and engage with the world. I was constantly impressed by how self-aware, accepting, and thoughtful they are. Spending time with the mentees was inspiring in ways I didn’t expect, and it gave me a renewed sense of hope for the future knowing that one day, these incredible young people will be the ones leading it.
The structure of the Raise program was superb, too. The 20-week format allows you to build a meaningful relationship. While some weeks it might feel like you’re not achieving much, reflecting on the journey at the end reveals just how far you’ve come together.
The support from Raise—from the initial training to the on-site counsellors and mentor support sessions—was fantastic. Each week Raise provided topics for discussion, giving you extra guidance if you needed. This meant there was no need to spend lots of time planning, making it easy to manage alongside a full-time job and life's demands.
The experience also gave me the chance to develop my own skills in leadership, training, and mentoring—skills that will support my growth and help me reach my personal and career goals.
If you’ve ever thought about mentoring, I can’t recommend it enough. You don’t need to have all the answers or a grand plan—you just need to show up, listen, and be there for your young person. Seeing the mentees grow into a more confident versions of themselves was so rewarding, and it’s an experience I’ll carry with me for a long time.
Learn more about becoming a youth mentor at www.raise.org.au
Stacey Katsaros is a communications and employee engagement specialist with almost ten years’ experience in the energy and finance sectors. Stacey regularly volunteers with the Origin Energy Foundation and is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace and our communities.
