Matches of the Month
October/November
School Based
Mentoring is a rewarding experience for both a “Big” and “Little”
The Big Brother Big Sister (BBBS) program has been such an awesome and fulfilling experience for me. 2009 marked five (5) years that I have been participating in the school-based component of BBBS. I started out in 2004 at Carter G. Woodson, mentoring a young lady and once the school year was over, moved over to Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary. I have had the pleasure of mentoring three (3) young ladies but the young lady that I am currently matched with, leaves me speechless. I have been her big sister since she was in the 3rd grade and although our interests vary, she reminds me a lot of myself at her age: bright, well spoken and talkative. My match has had to endure a tremendous amount of trials and tribulations with multiple deaths in her family, within a short amount of time; however, she shows an immeasurable source of strength and I, often times, feed off of her. Although my requirement only suggests that we spend one (1) hour per week in the schools, I find myself there multiple days and sometimes just there talking with her teachers and guidance counselors about her strengths and areas of needed improvement.
I asked my little once, how did she think the match was going and she said, “fun.” She also mentioned that she likes to get out of class, which most kids that age get a kick out of, but she also mentioned that she likes to talk and read the stories in the library with me. I agree; this experience constantly fulfills my need to want to make a difference in a young person’s life in some way. I have been extremely blessed to have been mentored by others in my life and always jump at the opportunity to do the same for someone else.
My little sister is now starting her first year in middle school and I intend to keep the connection with her for as long as possible. We are in the process of transitioning our visits to community based programming, as the older she gets, the more I realize that 1 hour per week is simply not enough. She is about to venture into a new part of life and I am excited and humbled to be a part of that.
Thank you, again, for the opportunity to mentor our young people. It makes just as much of a difference to us as it does to them.
Chelsea C. Reeves
5th year Big Brother Big Sister Mentor
Community
Robert Davidson and Sedat have been matched for six month, but have already made great strides as a match. They have the same interests, such as watching football, fishing, and also enjoying each other’s company. Robert also keeps a journal about their outings and about what he and Sedat discuss.
When Robert asked Sedat about the start of the school year, Robert was thrilled that Sedat expressed a “great attitude” toward the new school year. Robert calls Sedat regularly to check to see if Sedat is keeping up with his school work and studying. He ensures Sedat is studying the proper way, such as reviewing notes, doing problems similar to homework, and reviewing homework assignments. Robert wrote in his journal, “So far he [Sedat] is showing better organization and preparation this school year.” Shortly into the school year, Robert noted in his journal regarding Sedat’s mid-term grade reports, “What a change from last year! I told him I was very proud of him, he was grinning from ear to ear and could hardly wait to tell his mother.” Not only is Robert involved with Sedat’s school work, but he also looks out for his safety by checking Sedat’s walking route to school, and often picks him up after school.
They often watch football, fish and discuss the Jaguars, such as cuts and trades for the team. They are making plans to attend a concert as a future outing together.
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