Skateboards, Speedboats, and Showing Up: Raheem and Derek’s Story

When Derek moved to Minneapolis a few years ago, he didn’t know many people in the city. He had just retired from a high-travel corporate career and was looking for a way to get rooted in his new community. That’s when he found Bolder Options.

“I was just kind of Googling, looking for mentoring opportunities,” Derek said. “I’d mentored in business and I really enjoyed it, but never one-on-one in my personal life. I wanted something more grounded. Bolder Options popped up and I’m so glad it did.”

Derek was matched with Raheem, a middle schooler with a big smile and kind and quiet energy. They first met in Raheem’s apartment building. Raheem remembers it clearly:

“When I first met him, I knew we would be friends because he's a very funny person and relatable. We hit it off right away.”

Their year together was full of firsts. Raheem learned how to skateboard, went to the gym, hiked local trails, watched Marvel movies, and even saw his first football game in person, taking a plane ride to see a college bowl game in Detroit. One of his favorite memories? “Riding on Derek’s boat. He invited my whole family. We had a great time.”

Derek saw Bolder Options as a doorway to the community and a chance to build something meaningful with a young person. “I always say I hit the jackpot with Raheem. He’s just a really good kid,” Derek said. “A little quiet at first, but smart, polite, and curious. I think what he needed most was someone reliable. Someone who’d do what they said they’d do.”

Raheem agrees. “He helped me with my grades. We sat down and talked, and he told me to care now so I won’t regret it later,” he said. “I care more about school now. And I care more about my future.”

Through their time together, Derek noticed changes in Raheem, small shifts that made a big impact. “I remember one moment at an event when the Bolder Options President Darrell THompson taught Raheem how to give a proper handshake, look them in the eye and stand tall. After that, I saw him do it every time. Little golden nuggets like that… that’s what makes it worth it.”

Even now that their formal year together has ended, Raheem and Derek stay in touch. They’re navigating the distance (Derek now lives a few hours outside the city), but both are committed to keeping the relationship going. Raheem has jumped into the Bolder Options alumni program, exploring overnight camping trips and new outdoor skills like canoeing. “I’m excited to do the Boundary Waters next year,” he said. “It’s just been fun to try new things.”

For Derek, mentoring brought unexpected gifts. “It definitely taught me patience, and it kept me young. I enjoyed spending time with Raheem, he’s funny, sharp, and he introduced me to music I’d never even heard of. I learned just as much as he did.”

When asked if he’d recommend mentoring, Derek didn’t hesitate.

“Absolutely. At least give it a try for a year. You might not change the world overnight but showing up for a young person consistently? That matters. That’s what Bolder Options is all about.”

Do you want to be a mentor? Check out our BE A MENTOR page!