Big Brother/ Big Sister

When I was about 9 years old my parents had been divorced for 3 years and I was living with my dad, brother, and sister.  I had some behavior problems at the time and was going to see a child therapist.  The therapist recommended that my dad check out Big Brother/ Big Sister (BBBS) for me.  My dad, being an awesome dad, signed both my me and my sister up for the program.  BBBS is a mentoring program for at risk (sorta) children.  Usually their parents are divorced, a parent is absent, or something like that.

I was matched with a woman named Vickie.  We would go out to lunch, to the zoo, and basically spend time together.  Vickie and I are not in contact anymore but I hope that she knows what a big impact she made on my life.  I was very fortunate to have her in my life.

I have wanted to become a big sister for a few years but it wasn't compatable with Craig being in the military.  I didn't want to move away after being matched.  So now that Craig and I somewhat settled down in life I decided that it was time to finally time to become a big sister.  I was hoping that Craig would also want to become a big brother since I believe in the program so much.  He was kind of dubious since he has never been exposed to the program before.  However, during my research I found that you are able to volunteer as a couple.  I talked to Craig about it and he was willing to give it a chance.

A few months went by without us doing anything to sign up for the program.  I went back to school in January .  I was in just one class, Sociology.  On the first day we were divided into groups and the group leader had to ask us a series of questions.  One of the questions was, "What or what do you want to do to change society?"  My answer of course was that I want to become a big sister.  After a little while we had to present the answers to the class.  One group went before us and one of the group members answer his question by saying that he works for BBBS!  So it was fate.  After class he gave me his card and answered some of my questions.  Craig and I went through the process of becoming Bigs.

At the end of February we met our Little.  His name is Josh and he is 6 years old.  We usually see him every Saturday.  He is a bundle of energy and keeps us busy.  He is a lot of fun.  He will tell you stories and you don't know what he might tell you.  Craig enjoys himself a lot and I think he is really happy that he decided to become a Big.  I think it is really awesome and I finally feel like I am giving back to a deserving child.

If you are interested in the program or want more information check it out:

http://www.bbbs.org/site/c.diJKKYPLJvH/b.1539751/k.BDB6/Home.htm

It is very rewarding and it is worth the time you put into it.