PUBLISHED OCTOBER 2026
Kathy wanted to make a difference. She did!
Care is the most important prerequisite for First Foundation mentors. Kathy and Becca’s relationship shows how time, encouragement and everyday life experience can help a First Foundation scholar feel connected and confident.
Becca Meyer and her mentor Kathy catch up on campus at Victoria University in Wellington
Every scholar deserves a champion
Kathy Claridge first heard about First Foundation’s mentoring programme through a colleague. The idea immediately clicked – this was a practical, personal way to support one young person.
“It’s a really unique way to give your time and skills. Actually helping a person is the coolest sense of reward,” explains Kathy.
“It’s been a real eye-opener to learn why First Foundation does this. And just how many people need this additional support. At the same time, I’m making a difference. That’s amazing.
Kathy began without previous mentoring experience. She brought time, everyday experience and a willingness to show up. She says, First Foundation provided mentor training, useful resources and ongoing support.
“The foundation does a great job of matching people; that match was really key. There was some alignment, similarity or connection that could be made.”
“It’s a really unique way to give your time and skills. Actually helping a person is the coolest sense of reward,”
Connection builds confidence and belonging
Kathy was matched with Becca , a First Foundation scholar from Massey High School who is working towards a Bachelor of Arts in Education at Victoria University. Becca was new to Wellington, away from her family and still building a local support network.
“Initially, it sounded like she needed a social network here. Becca was new to the city, and she didn’t know many people. Her family weren’t here. I saw part of my job as really to help build her confidence in her ability to succeed in a new town. We made it a bit more fun to start with. We went out for a drink, coffee, and then dinner.”
Becca remembers how much the welcome meant.
“Kathy just really welcomed me with open arms to her home and her family and with her time. It was really nice.”
Kathy was intentional about building a connection with Becca, and draws on her career as a Government and Policy recruitment specialist. “Part of my job is to build relationships.”
Support makes success feel possible
Becca said Kathy gave her a safe space to be able to feel heard and to seek practical advice.
“There was a time recently where I had some work drama, which was quite stressful and took some focus away from Uni for me.”
While Becca worked in a supermarket and studied, Kathy invited her into her own workplace, and showed her what a professional pathway could look like.
“I introduced her to my colleagues and showed her where I work. I explained a bit more about what I do. I could bring her forward a few years into her life. I could show her what the study is going to get her to.”
Mentors gain as they give
Mentoring is often described as giving, but Kathy values what flows both ways.
“I learn so much from her experience and her perspective. As well as the satisfaction of seeing her finding her pathway.”
“I’ve also learned so much from First Foundation about what being a mentor looks like and mentoring these students.”
Becca describes the impact in equally direct terms.
“Oh, Kathy has made an insane difference. I think she’s been very beneficial in my life. I don’t know if I would be doing as well as I am if I didn’t have her in my life. I definitely wasn’t before her. So, yeah, she’s made a very good impact in my life.”
Becca Meyer, First Foundation Scholar
You don’t need mentoring experience to begin
Kathy is candid about starting her mentoring journey without a perfect plan. What mattered was being willing to listen, encourage and share the journey, with First Foundation there when she needed support.
“I didn’t know what I was doing. You just need to facilitate, encourage and share in their journey. I think everyone could do that in their own way.”
“The other mentors I’ve met come from all sorts of sectors. I’m sure everyone has something they could offer.”
“It’s a bit of a commitment. But equally, scholars manage their lives around you too. It’s not like I have to turn up between nine and five.”
“Mentoring is a very accessible way to make a difference in someone’s life, without it being financially or time restrictive.”
Kathy hopes others will consider mentoring with First Foundation. “It’s a very worthwhile thing to be part of.”
Somewhere in Aotearoa, a scholar could thrive with what feels ordinary to you: your experience, your encouragement and your listening ear. Talk to First Foundation about becoming a mentor in 2027. We have over 100 scholars to match before April. Book a 10 minute catchup with Josiah to find out more or email josiah.parr@firstfoundation.org.nz.
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