Volunteering is something that is near and dear to my heart. It feels good to help someone overcome an obstacle that may contribute to their next 5 steps. Gives me a high that I can’t explain and feels like I am fulfilling one of my purposes.
I volunteer with organizations that align with causes I would like to help improve. One thing that falls at the top of my list is guiding and caring for our youth. I have read to preschoolers and helped restore a local community center. As of the past year, I also mentor high school students.
One place I’ve always wanted to volunteer is Big Brother, Big Sister (BBBS). I thought it was so cool that an adult would take time to expose a child to things or people they may not have otherwise. Even if it is as simple as having someone to talk to about how you feel, it makes a big difference.
I knew it was possible to become a Big Sister but the idea was also terrifying! I figured there was no way I could be a mentor considering I don’t have any of my shit together. I’m back and forth in my career + my mental health and I have no qualities of a role model. How could I inspire someone?
Despite my reluctance, I finally was brave enough to see what the program was about and apply. BBBS has created more programs than the traditional Community Based program most know. Now, they have 3 more programs and that made the commitment a little easier. The newer programs are site based, e-mentoring, and sports buddies. I wanted to get more information and hear some mentor experiences before I could make a decision.
It took me a full year to commit to the informational, orientation and interview process. I can’t lie, the interview was invasive and intense. I am a private person so I am not use to discussing my life and how I work out my issues. There’s a ton of questions: “Who are your closest friends?”, “What do you like about them?”, “Who lives in your household? What do they do?”, “Are you uncomfortable with LGBTQ community?”, ”What was one of the hardest things you’ve had to overcome in your life and how did you make it through?”, “Who is your biggest influence?”, “How is your relationship with your family and your significant other?”. The next question dug a little deeper than the previous… and the questions continued for 2 hours!
After the interview, I decided to choose the E-Mentoring program. I was matched with a male student from Antioch High (I don’t have the traditional same sex match and I love it!). The following week, I was able to have the initial meeting with my new Little Brother… and that’s when I understood why BBBS asks the million questions they ask. They are trying to match you with a child that you have the most in common with so that the program will succeed. I saw the potential magic programs like this can do for our youth.
My little and I have so many things in common and our personalities complement each other well. We talk about music, family, sports and future goals. A few other topics we frequent are coping mechanisms and the transition from high school student to young adult. We both feel completely comfortable sharing anything because we are so well matched.
We all can relate to the struggles and joys of becoming an adult. The juggling of relationships, school and work can be tough to navigate alone. I am honored to be someone my little brother feels he can come to for advice on any of the above. Personal difficulties tend to work out better when we have support from another.
I also feel as if I have benefited from the experience of being a Big. I have been able to see things from the eyes of someone full of promise and potential. Hearing the things younger generations are dreaming of doing is very inspiring. It makes me remember the days when I was fearless and went after the things I wanted in life. The inspiration drives me to strive to get back to that mental place.
Once I did commit, I can say I was proud of myself for being a part of the change I would like to see in the world. Also, for the person I realize I have become. Being a Big Sister has also helped me see that we all have something valuable to pass along to others. Our individual journeys have molded us into something stronger than we were before. Someone needs to hear our stories + perspectives so they too can become their best selves. We should not be afraid to share our successes AND our failures as there are beauty in both. This experience has shown me that our youth need us. I’m going to continue to do my part by showing up.
If you would like to join me + become a Big, please sign up for an informational and submit an app! In 2019, there were 200 Littles who went unmatched and majority of them were males. Grab your friends and help make a difference. Visit https://mentorakid.org/become-a-mentor/
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