Changing One World at a Time: Erick and Angel’s Mentorship Journey

When Erick first met Angel through Bolder Options Youth Mentoring Program, he approached the experience with an open mind and no expectations. What he found was a young person who immediately stood out for his outgoing nature and maturity. From their very first meeting, their connection felt natural and easy. Angel was open, engaged, and ready to build a relationship, and Erick quickly recognized the potential for something meaningful to grow between them.

Their bond was strengthened by a shared cultural understanding. Angel’s family is from Mexico, and Erick’s family is from Ecuador. This shared Latin heritage created a sense of familiarity and comfort that helped build trust early on. Erick felt honored to connect with Angel in a way that reflected both their backgrounds and experiences, and he felt truly grateful in watching Angel grow throughout the year.

Mentorship has always played an important role in Erick’s life. As he reflected on his own journey, he recognized that mentors had helped shape both his personal and professional path. Their encouragement helped him become the person he is today. Becoming a mentor himself was a way to give back and provide that same support to someone else. He was especially drawn to Bolder Options because of its intentional approach to supporting youth and families, and its commitment to creating meaningful, lasting relationships rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.

Angel discovered that having Erick as a mentor gave him someone he could truly rely on. He has adults who cared for him, but having a mentor provided something different. It gave him someone he could talk to openly, someone who listened without judgment, and someone who supported him while still allowing him to be himself.

"I appreciated the way Erick was right in between being a friend and a family member." Angel said.

Over time, their weekly meetings became something Angel looked forward to. They spent time at the Bolder House playing foosball and pool, cooking dumplings, planting a spring garden and participating in group activities. This provided Angel with a place where he could relax, connect with others, and simply enjoy being a kid. The Bolder House became more than just a location. It became a place of belonging.

“The Bolder House feels like a second home,” Angel said.

They also shared new experiences together, including attending a baseball game in a suite, which was Angel’s first baseball game. Experiences like these expanded Angel’s world and gave him opportunities he might not have had otherwise. Erick noticed Angel becoming more confident in social settings, engaging easily with others, and stepping into new environments with curiosity and enthusiasm.

Angel also began to grow in ways that extended beyond their time together. With Erick’s support, he developed stronger communication skills and learned how to express himself more openly. He became more confident in having conversations with his family and advocating for himself. Angel began to feel more understood, appreciated, and capable of handling challenges in his life.

“Because of my relationship with Erick, I feel like I am mentally healthier,” Angel shared. “I feel like I have someone I can count on.”

His mom has seen the difference, too.

“Angel always comes back very happy after spending time with Erick. He loves telling me what they did together and always looks forward to their next hangout.”

For Erick, watching this growth was one of the most meaningful parts of being a mentor. He saw firsthand how mentorship could create space for young people to grow, gain confidence, and discover their strengths. He also recognized how much the experience had impacted him personally. Mentorship reminded him that even small actions can have a lasting effect.

“The most beautiful lesson I’ve learned is that you can’t change the whole world, but you can change someone’s world,” Erick said.

Their relationship also gave Angel something equally powerful. It gave him someone who saw him fully and accepted him exactly as he was.

As their official match year comes to a close, the impact of their relationship is clear. Angel has grown in confidence, communication, and self-awareness. Erick has found purpose and fulfillment in giving back. Both have gained a relationship that will continue beyond the program.

Erick believes strongly in Angel’s future and the person he is becoming. He has seen Angel’s resilience, maturity, and potential, and he knows that Angel is capable of achieving great things.

Angel's mom, Magnolia, says that for her family, the relationship has meant more than just weekly meetings.

“Bolder Options has been a great program. It’s helped my son learn new things and become more social.”

As their official match year comes to a close, the impact is clear. Angel has grown in confidence, communication, and self-awareness. Erick has found purpose in giving back. And both have built a relationship that will last beyond the program.

Erick believes deeply in Angel and his future. He has seen Angel’s resilience, maturity, and potential firsthand.

Their story shows what mentorship really does. It builds connection. It grows confidence. It opens doors. And sometimes, changing one world is everything.

You can be part of the next story.

We are actively looking for mentors who are ready to show up consistently for a young person.

• If you have ever considered mentoring, now is the time.

• If you know someone who would make a great mentor, send them this story.

• If your company, church, or network is looking for a meaningful way to give back, help us recruit the next Erick.

One relationship can change a young person’s world.

And it might change yours, too.

BE A MENTOR!