Stephanie de Souza wants youth to know they can do anything if they set their minds to it.
As a Girl Guides member and leader for more than 20 years, de Souza has helped teens to develop their skills and self-esteem so they can tackle moving past high school.
“I have all these kids who I have helped over the years, and you see them as adults out there in the world. I helped them with references, get jobs, fill out college applications,” says de Souza.
“It is so rewarding to see them moving forward in their lives and that I was able to help give them the opportunity to do that.”
de Souza runs the Ranger Unit for young adults aged 14-18, as well as the Lones program for teens unable to attend regular meetings due to health or long-distance reasons.
She sets aside anything from 10-15 hours a week working on the programs.
“Being a mentor means I am there for someone when they need me; I’m there to help guide and nudge, not tell them what to do,” says de Souza.
“To help point them in the right direction or just be a listening ear.”