From a young age, I was taught the value of helping others and opening my home and heart to those in need. Growing up in Pennsylvania, surrounded by a family who prized education, kindness, and service, I learned early on that the small ways we care for others can ripple outward in powerful ways. Over the years, my life has been enriched by experiences with foster care, youth mentorship, and cultural exchange, and I’ve come to see that giving a young person stability, guidance, and love can transform both their life and yours
Becoming a foster parent was one of the most meaningful journeys of my life. When a child comes into your home, often carrying hurt, confusion, or uncertainty, you quickly realize that what they need most is someone who listens, cares, and provides a safe space to simply be themselves. Each child is unique, and fostering has taught me patience, empathy, and the importance of small gestures—listening to a story, preparing a favorite meal, or simply being present.
Foster parenting isn’t always easy. There are challenges, paperwork, and emotional hurdles to navigate. But the rewards far outweigh the difficulties. Watching a child grow, gain confidence, and feel supported is indescribably fulfilling. It’s a reminder that providing stability, even temporarily, can help a young person regain hope and see the possibilities ahead.
Mentorship: Guiding Through Life’s Challenges
Beyond fostering, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring youth through programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Fresh Air Fund. Mentorship allows you to walk alongside a young person in their own life, offering guidance, encouragement, and perspective. Sometimes, it’s helping with schoolwork, sometimes it’s offering advice about friendships or personal challenges, and sometimes it’s simply showing up consistently to let a child know that someone cares.
Mentorship is a two-way street. While I aim to support, I also learn so much from the children I mentor—their curiosity, resilience, and fresh perspective on the world constantly remind me to stay open, patient, and present. There’s a particular joy in watching a mentee achieve a goal or overcome a fear, knowing that your encouragement played even a small part in that success.
Cultural Exchange: Learning from Each Other
Hosting international students has been another profoundly enriching experience. Opening my home to young people from other countries is both a responsibility and a gift. It’s an opportunity to share our culture and values while also learning from theirs. Each student brings a unique perspective, traditions, and experiences, and hosting them encourages mutual understanding, empathy, and friendship that can last a lifetime.
Cultural exchange reinforces the importance of seeing the world beyond our own familiar borders. It teaches tolerance, patience, and curiosity. Even simple daily routines—sharing meals, attending school events, or exploring the Cape Cod area together—become moments of connection and learning. Through these experiences, I’ve seen young people grow in confidence, adapt to new environments, and develop skills that will serve them throughout life.
The Overlapping Lessons
Whether through foster care, mentorship, or cultural exchange, there’s a common thread: the importance of showing up, offering stability, and demonstrating care. Children and young adults need consistency, support, and role models who lead with kindness. They also need opportunities to explore, to make mistakes safely, and to discover who they are and what they are capable of achieving.
I’ve learned that it’s not always the big gestures that leave the lasting impact, but the small, everyday actions: listening when they speak, celebrating their achievements, and helping them navigate challenges. It’s a reminder that even amidst life’s busyness, dedicating time, attention, and patience can change someone’s life—and enrich yours in ways you never imagined.
The Joy of Giving and Receiving
These experiences have shaped who I am, not only as a caregiver and mentor but also as a person striving to live with compassion. The joy I’ve received from helping children and young adults grow is immeasurable. Their successes feel like my own, their laughter and curiosity light up my home, and their resilience inspires me every day.
I also cherish the community that comes from these experiences. Collaborating with other foster parents, mentors, and host families creates networks of support, shared learning, and friendship. Together, we work to ensure that children and young adults are not alone, and that they have access to the guidance and care they deserve.
Encouraging Others to Get Involved
For anyone considering fostering, mentoring, or hosting international students, I can’t recommend it enough. The path is not always easy, but the rewards—the growth, connection, and lasting impact—are profound. Each child or young adult you support is a life touched and, in turn, a lesson in empathy, resilience, and hope.
Opening your heart and home, dedicating time to listen and guide, and sharing in cultural exchange creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond your immediate circle. It’s about planting seeds of compassion, understanding, and opportunity—seeds that grow and flourish long after your direct involvement.
In my life, fostering, mentoring, and cultural exchange have shown me that kindness, guidance, and patience can change the world—one young life at a time. Every child and young adult I’ve had the privilege to support has left an imprint on my heart, reminding me that giving truly is receiving, and that love and guidance are the most enduring gifts we can offer.