Medford Man Reflects On Six-year Mentorship

MEDFORD, MA — Ben Schwartz and Jamari Ellis are seeing the results of their six-year mentor relationship come to fruition.

Schwartz, a Medford resident, became inspired to mentor youth through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts after his father served as his greatest mentor growing up. Six years ago, Schwartz met then-eleven-year-old Ellis of Roxbury.

“I didn’t know what I was looking for with a mentor,” Ellis said. “We’ve learned so much from each other. Ben (Schwartz) has helped me and shown me ambition, helping me to keep my priorities straight. Mentors help you see the positive influences around.”

Ellis, now 17, is on the verge of graduating from Edward M. Kennedy Academy for Health Careers. He is slated to attend Worcester State University this fall to pursue his dream of becoming a physician’s assistant.

Schwartz said his friendship with Ellis has also helped him mature, s he was in his early twenties when the connection began.

BBBSEM has supported more than 25,000 youth throughout the past 70 years.
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