Lifting as We Climb: The Power of Mentorship
It’s been one month since the launch of One One Cocoa, and we’re already two weeks into our first cohort. It’s been an incredible start—hearing the voices, seeing the potential, and feeling the energy of these Caribbean student-athletes navigating their journey in the U.S. It’s a powerful reminder that this work matters.
This year has been a wake-up call for many of us. If it’s taught us anything, it’s that service to our people should be a top priority. For Caribbean student-athletes, mentorship isn’t just about guidance—it’s about ensuring they don’t feel alone in spaces that often weren’t designed for them. It’s about creating opportunities for them to thrive, both on and off the field.
Why Mentorship Matters
When I was a student-athlete, I didn’t have access to a structured mentorship program. I had to navigate a lot on my own, from balancing academics and sports to adjusting to life in the U.S. It was hard, and there were moments I wished for someone who had walked the path before me—someone to say, “Here’s how you do it” or “Here’s what I learned.” That’s the gap mentorship fills. It’s not about giving someone the answers; it’s about helping them find their way.
But mentorship isn’t just a one-way street. It’s about creating a cycle of support. Someone helps you, you help someone else, and that ripple effect transforms lives. If not us, then who?
Caribbean student-athletes face unique challenges, from cultural adjustment to balancing their athletic and academic commitments. Mentorship gives them the tools to navigate these hurdles. Here’s what mentorship brings to the table:
Perspective: Mentors help mentees see beyond their immediate struggles, offering advice and strategies for long-term success.
Connection: Mentees realize they’re not alone—someone has walked this path and come out stronger on the other side.
Empowerment: With the right guidance, student-athletes see their potential and build the confidence to chase their dreams.
At One One Cocoa, we won’t pair mentors with student-athletes until the end of each 3-month cohort, but we’ve already seen the hunger for that connection. The athletes want to learn, grow, and be guided by those who’ve been in their shoes.
A Call to Action: Why Mentorship Is Bigger Than One Program
As we approach the end of the year, this is a moment to reflect. How can you make a difference in someone else’s life?
Mentorship doesn’t require perfection; it requires presence.
You don’t have to have all the answers—sometimes, just showing up is enough.
If you’ve ever thought about mentoring, this is your sign. Whether it’s with One One Cocoa (get involved here), a local community organization, or within your workplace, your experiences and lessons learned are valuable. Imagine the impact we could create if more of us leaned into service, into helping the next generation rise. It’s a ripple effect that lifts us all.
Because here’s the truth: if we don’t support our own, who will? If we don’t lift each other up, how can we expect others to?
Service as a Legacy
Mentorship isn’t just about the mentees—it’s about the legacy you leave behind. Every conversation, every piece of advice, every connection made is a way to pay it forward. It’s a way to say, “I see you. I’m here for you. Let’s rise together.”
As we move into the end of this year, let’s commit to being the support we wish we’d had. Let’s show up, let’s listen, and let’s guide the next generation to heights even we couldn’t imagine.
Because as always, “wah fi yuh cyaan un fi yuh.”
~ Meisha
