What it means to be a part of BBBS

Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) is a nonprofit mentoring organization that matches volunteers, known as “Bigs,” with elementary-aged youth, known as “Littles.” Matches are based on shared interests and personalities, allowing Bigs to serve as positive role models and mentors for their Littles. 

BBBS has impacted my life from both perspectives. I became a Little Sister when I was nine years old. At the time, I struggled with bullying and frequently adjusting to new schools. My Big Sister and I were matched for nine years before aging out of the program, but we still keep in touch and regularly meet to talk and catch up on life. 

We were matched based on our shared love of reading, crafts, and sports. One of my favorite memories is creating my first queen-sized quilt after my Big taught me how to sew. When we reflect on the years we spent together, she often tells me how shy and soft-spoken I was when we first met. Through her encouragement and support, I gained confidence and learned how to advocate for myself and use my voice. 

In 2024, I was honored to be named Little Sister of the Year, while my Big Sister received the Big Sister of the Year award. That same year, my high school football team won the state championship during my junior season, and I qualified for the state speech tournament, where I placed seventh out of 24 competitors. Throughout every achievement and challenge, my Big Sister remained one of my biggest supporters. Her consistent encouragement, guidance, and belief in my potential helped me pursue opportunities I never thought possible and played a significant role in shaping the person I am today. 

Now, as a Big Sister myself, I have the opportunity to give back to the next generation while following the example of the mentor who inspired me. I met my Little Sister when she was nine years old, the same age I was when I entered the program. We initially participated in a school-based match, meeting two to four times each month during the school year. During our time together, we worked on homework, played games, and talked through challenges she faced with peers, school or family life. 

After I graduated from high school, we transitioned to a community-based match, which gave us more flexibility in planning activities and spending time together. We continue to meet regularly, attending sporting events, working on homework, baking cookies, and participating in many other activities. Watching her grow has been incredibly rewarding and has allowed me to see mentorship from an entirely new perspective. 

Being involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters as both a Little and a Big has shown me the importance of having a trusted adult who listens, encourages, and believes in a young person. As a Little, I learned that one person’s consistent support can build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. As a Big, I have learned that mentoring is not about solving every problem but about being a reliable role model, showing up consistently, and helping a young person recognize their own strengths and potential. 

Watching my Little Sister grow reminds me of my own journey and reinforces my passion for working with children in my future nursing career. Through BBBS, I have developed valuable qualities such as compassion, leadership, advocacy and communication. These experiences have strengthened my desire to support others and create positive change through meaningful relationships. 

Looking back, Big Brothers Big Sisters has been one of the most influential experiences of my life. It not only provided me with a mentor who became like family, but it also inspired me to become that source of support for another young person in my community. Being able to continue the cycle of mentorship has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had, and it is a role that I hope to carry forward throughout my nursing career and future community involvement.