Mentoring doesn’t always wear a name badge or follow a formal structure. It shows up in the everyday moments we often overlook, the coworker who takes time to explain, the neighbor who checks in, the friend who simply listens and shows up. Long before many of us ever heard the word “mentor,” we were already experiencing it through people who showed up with patience, encouragement, and consistency.

These moments matter because mentoring is not about having all the answers. It’s about how your personality creates space for someone else to grow. Some people mentor through optimism and humor, others through structure and quiet reassurance. Some lead with preparation and knowledge, while others offer steady loyalty when things feel overwhelming. There is no single “right” way to mentor, and that’s exactly what makes it powerful.

Celebrating your personality means recognizing that how you naturally support others is already making an impact. When we understand our strengths, we become more intentional about how we show up for the people around us, especially young people who are learning who they are by watching who we are. This National Mentoring Month, we’re taking a playful look at how familiar characters reflect the real-world ways mentoring shows up every day.

Start the Quiz: Which Famous Character Matches Your Mentoring Style?

Understanding the Mentor Personalities

The "Lasso" style of mentoring is rooted in radical optimism and the belief that growth happens when someone feels safe enough to fail. In the world of Big Brothers Big Sisters, this mirrors the Supportive Mentor. Like Ted, these mentors don’t focus on the "scoreboard" of life—such as grades or trophies—but on the emotional resilience of the child. By offering constant encouragement and "biscuits with the boss" moments, these mentors teach their Littles that self-worth isn't tied to perfection, but to effort and kindness.

The "Poppins" mentor represents Structure and Perspective. Her philosophy that "a spoon full of sugar helps the medicine go down" is a masterclass in behavioral mentoring. This style mirrors mentors who help their Littles navigate life’s responsibilities—like homework or household chores—by turning them into engaging, manageable tasks. By setting firm boundaries with a gentle touch, these mentors provide the stability and "practically perfect" guidance that helps a child feel secure as they explore the world around them.

The "Hermione" style embodies the Empowerment Mentor. Her trait of always being prepared and valuing knowledge mirrors the mentor who focuses on academic support and critical thinking. By showing a Little how to find answers for themselves, this type of mentor builds the child's confidence and independence. They mirror the belief that "books and cleverness" are vital, but their real strength lies in using that knowledge to advocate for their Little and help them navigate complex systems in their education and future career.

The "Samwise" mentor is the embodiment of Consistency and Loyalty. In the Lord of the Rings, Samwise famously said, "I can’t carry it for you, but I can carry you." This is the ultimate mentor trait: being a steady presence through the "valleys" of a child's life. These mentors may not be the loudest in the room, but they are the ones who never miss a meeting. They mirror the "Bigs" who understand that mentoring isn't about grand gestures; it’s about the quiet, unshakable loyalty of showing up, week after week, regardless of how steep the mountain feels.

Your Personality Can Change a Life

Your personality, the way you encourage, guide, listen, and stay present, has value. It shapes the relationships around you and leaves a lasting impression, often in ways you may not even realize. Mentoring doesn’t require perfection or a specific skill set; it simply asks you to be yourself, consistently and authentically.

As we celebrate National Mentoring Month, discover which character reflects your mentoring style and help spark conversations about the many ways mentoring shows up in our lives. Take the quiz, share your results on social media, and invite friends and family to take it too!

Disclaimer: This quiz and blog post are for entertainment and educational purposes only. Big Brothers Big Sisters Association of Florida does not own the characters Ted Lasso, Mary Poppins, Hermione Granger, or Samwise Gamgee. All rights to these fictional characters belong to their respective copyright holders (Warner Bros. Discovery, Disney, and Apple TV+). No endorsement by or affiliation with these entities is implied.