What it means to be a part of BBBS

I am a Big Brother. I don’t just mean that I have younger siblings, because I do, but I am someone else’s Big Brother. I am part of an organization that is called Big Brothers Big Sisters. BBBS is a volunteer mentoring organization with minimal time commitment where you (big) get matched with a child (little) and build a meaningful relationship. You provide them guidance, whether that is in school, friendships, goals, or possible life challenges. There are a couple of programs you could get involved with. One is Community-Based Mentoring, where you meet with you little out in the community; another is School-Based Mentoring, where you meet with your little at their school; and the last is Bigs On Campus, where your little gets bussed to campus, and you meet with them on campus. The overall mission is to support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. 

I have been a Big Brother for the last five years. I started when I was a sophomore in high school, when BBBS were tabling, and I was introduced. I was not sure what I was getting myself into, and I thought it would be something easy; I could do it once a week and move on, and it would not affect me. I could not have been more wrong. I am now a sophomore in college, and I am still a Big. Being a Big Brother for the past five years has been one of the most rewarding and life-changing experiences of my life. When I first started, I wanted to make a positive difference in my Little’s life, but I never imagined how much the experience over the years would change me as well. These past two years, I have had the opportunity to build a meaningful relationship, create lasting memories, and be someone that my Little can look up to. I became his role model. Watching my little grow, learn, and gain more confidence has been incredibly rewarding to me. Knowing that I can positively impact my Little’s life even in the smallest way makes all the time and meetings worth it. However, being a Big has not just made me realize what I can teach my little; it has also taught me so much about myself and who I am as a person. It has helped me become more patient, understanding, responsible, and compassionate. It has taught me the importance of showing up and being there for someone, being a good listener, and understanding that you don’t have to do huge/big tasks to make an impact. Sometimes even the smallest things, like spending time together or simply just being there, can make the biggest difference.  

Being a mentor has given me a greater sense of purpose and has reminded me how important positive role models can be in such a young person’s life. One of the biggest benefits of being a Big is knowing that you have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on someone else’s future while also growing as a person yourself. I will carry these skills that I have built with me for the rest of my life. It has also given me a deeper perspective on some of the challenges that the youth can face, and the importance of having someone there for them. I have learned it is not just a one-way relationship. While I hope I have made a positive difference in my little’s life, he has made just as much of a difference in mine. The memories that we are currently building, the lessons that are being taught every day, and the friendship we have built are some of the things I will always value. Being present, caring and willing to invest your time in someone else is bigger than you think! I am grateful for this experience of being a Big, and I truly believe I am a better person because of it! I hope you think about becoming a Big. There are Littles out there waiting for you.