No Questions Asked: My Guy Ryan
I first heard about Friends for Youth back in 6th grade through my principal. At the time, I was getting into some trouble, and they thought it would help to have someone I could talk to, support me, and help me stay on track. Shortly after, I joined the group mentoring program with a few friends, not really knowing what to expect.
At first, I was skeptical. But the more I showed up, the more I started to enjoy it. It became a space where I could relax, have fun, and build real connections. Because of the connections I built, I kept coming back year after year. I stayed involved all the way into high school, and that’s when I met Ryan during a group mentoring session.
We connected naturally, just talking and getting to know each other. When the idea of 1-to-1 mentoring came up, it felt easy. We already had that connection. From the beginning, Ryan was easy to talk to. He’s real, he listens, and he actually checks in on how I’m doing. We joke around a lot, which made it easier for me to open up. At the same time, he knows how to be serious when it matters.
Having a 1-to-1 mentor was different from what I expected—in the best way. It meant having someone I could really rely on, someone who would always be there when I need extra support. We’ve spent time playing basketball, talking about life, going out, and even practicing driving and parking. That meant a lot to me, especially because I didn’t have anyone else to teach me.
One of the biggest ways I’ve grown through this mentorship is learning to slow down and think about my actions. I’ll admit, I can be impulsive, but Ryan helps me think things through and consider the consequences. He’s very direct—in a good way. He’ll ask questions like, “Why did that happen?” or “How could you avoid it next time?” He helps me see both sides of situations, which has really changed how I think.
Together, we’ve worked through challenges. Like…my grades. When I was struggling, he didn’t just tell me to do better. He asked, “How can I help?” He pushed me to lock in and set a goal: If I kept my grades at C’s or above, we’d celebrate. That’s how we ended up at K1 Speed—he whooped me, but I still say I let him win haha. It wasn’t just about the reward, it was about knowing someone believed in me.
Ricardo taking the stage at our Besties event as part of a youth-led panel discussion.
Over the past few years, Ryan and I have built a real friendship. When something happens, he’s one of the first people I want to tell. When I got my first car, I called him right away—and he pulled up, no questions asked, and we went for a drive. That’s just the kind of person he is.
Now I’m a junior at Sequoia High School and on track to graduate. I’m also working while in school, and I’ve stepped into leadership through the Whole Health for You: Youth Advisory Board, helping support my community with things like backpack and diaper drives. I’ve even spoken on a youth-led panel—which is something I wouldn’t have been comfortable doing before.
Having a mentor has changed my life. Not everyone has someone they can talk to about everything, so having that kind of support means a lot. It’s more than just guidance—it’s knowing someone genuinely cares about you and wants to see you win.
If there’s one thing I wish more people understood about mentorship, it’s that it’s not just about advice—it’s about connection. It’s having someone you trust, someone you can talk to about anything, someone who really shows up for you.
I’m really thankful for Ryan—for always being there, for the advice, for the laughs, and for being someone I can count on.
Are there any last words you’d like to share with Ryan?
“Stay sick” – Ricardo
At last month’s OYE Latin Youth Conference, Ricardo was a lead at a flower-making workshop as part of the Youth Advisory Board. The youth-designed session invited participants to explore identity, resilience, and overcoming challenges through a creative, hands-on activity, using art as a meaningful way to reflect, connect, and express themselves.
