January is National Mentoring Month, and since mentoring aligns with one of Comcast’s core focus areas of volunteerism and service, we’re spotlighting a special program that is near and dear to Comcast and to our employees.
Now in its 11th year, Comcast has partnered with Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters to pair New Britain elementary school students with Comcast employees for one-to-one mentoring sessions at our regional headquarters in Berlin, CT. The program, called Beyond School Walls, meets twice a month, enabling the “Littles” to consistently meet with their “Bigs” for one-on-one mentoring from a positive role model in a professional work environment.
Vicky Galo, Administrative Assistant for Government and Regulatory Affairs, Human Resources, and Communications, is one of over 20 Comcast employees who currently participates in the program.
Here is what Vicky shared with us about her experience as a mentor:
Q: When did your participation in Beyond School Walls begin?
A: I started with the program eight years ago because I love being a mentor and working with students.
Q: What does the Big Brothers Big Sisters program mean to you?
A: Our partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters gives me the opportunity to put my work aside for a moment and give back and help kids who need support. We are moving at such a quick pace in our business roles and responsibilities and it’s nice to get a breath of fresh air and to have fun with the kids
Q: What was your most memorable experience as a “Big”?
A: My most memorable experience was mentoring a 12-year-old student named Fayth. Our bond was so strong that we transitioned to the Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters community-based program where we continue to meet up at least once a month.
Q: How have you continued your mentorship of Fayth?
A: In addition to meeting once a month, we participate in volunteer events through the Comcast Veterans Network, an employee resource group that supports the military community. Together, we’ve laid memorial wreaths on the graves of fallen soldiers and visited the Fisher House organization in New Haven, CT, which is a network of comfort homes where military families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving medical treatment nearby. I love that Fayth is able to join events organized by Comcast because they connect Fayth to the community. Learning to give back at an early age leaves a lasting, positive impression.
To read more stories about our Community Impact initiatives across Connecticut, Vermont, western Massachusetts and western New Hampshire, click here.