Meet the match: Vicky and Katie

This match highlight was submitted by  Old Colony Y Big Sister Big Brother.

Katie and Vicky have been matched since Nov. 2011, and they have referred to their relationship as a “perfect match.”  According to Vicky, she and Big Sister Katie are “basically the same person,” except that Katie “ doesn’t have a mean bone in her body.”

Despite adding more to her plate, including working full-time and going back to graduate school this past fall, Katie continues to be a consistent presence in Vicky’s life since their one-year anniversary as a match has passed.  Katie has not let her additional commitments interfere with her and Vicky’s relationship, and she continues to take full advantage of the various opportunities provided through the Old Colony Y Big Sister Big Brother program and Mass Mentoring Partnership.  When Patriots player Devin McCourty came to visit our program as part of the Patriots Celebrate Volunteerism Campaign, the pair was so excited to be part of the appreciation event.  Katie and Vicky took part in relay and team-building activities with the Patriots cornerback-turned-safety, and after holding Devin’s hand in a game of the “Human Knot,” Vicky claimed she would never wash her hand again!  The match also recently had an opportunity to attend a Boston Celtics game, at which they had wonderful seats and voiced their appreciation for how much their match is supported by the program and mentoring advocates in the community.

According to Vicky’s grandmother, Katie has been a great support to her granddaughter and she is so thankful that Katie is there for Vicky through any challenges she faces. When Katie became a Big Sister, she said she wanted to be a great friend and a good role model, while offering dependability and genuine support.  She has exceeded her own expectations and we want to recognize all that she does to instill the importance of hard work, education and community in her Little’s life.

Mentor highlight: Sarah from For Kids Only

January is National Mentoring Month, and we are highlighting a number of perspectives on mentoring, events, and ways you can get involved in the field. Today’s post, a mentor highlight, is submitted from For Kids Only Afterschool.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your mentee.
My name is Sarah Malala, and I am a 16-year-old junior at Bishop Fenwick. A little over two months ago, I joined the For Kids Only program as a PAL, or mentor for a student at the Bates School in Salem. I’ve met with my mentee, Jon-Anthony, for several weeks. Jon-Anthony is an amazing second grader who’s funny, caring, and makes the hour I spend with him each Friday well worth it. Despite our short time together, he has without a doubt earned a special place in my heart. He always knows how to put a smile on my face.

Why is mentoring important to you?
Mentoring is important to me because I feel it’s a fun, enjoyable way to give back to the community. I’ve never been an athletic person, so instead of doing sports in school, I’ve turned to more community work and clubs. Mentoring gives me the priceless feeling of doing something good, and I love it. I hope I can provide people like Jon-Anthony with guidance and friendship, and be someone who they can always rely on. It’s not just that I hope to teach him things – but I know for a fact he’s taught me many valuable lessons as well.

What advice would you give to other adults looking to become mentors?
As a teenager, I’ve told nearly all of my friends of the FKO program and encouraged them to join. My advice to others looking to become mentors is to never hesitate when it comes to volunteering. Mentoring is a valuable learning experience you can’t turn down.

Who has been a mentor in your life? What are some of the lessons they have taught you?
My mother has always served as an exceptional mentor throughout my life. She never fails to give 100% of herself to the needs of others; growing up, she volunteered nearly every day at my grade school, and continues to do so for my younger brother and sister. She’s taught me the importance of helping others and the giving of yourself.

What inspired you to become a mentor?
When Ms. Chambers, the coordinator for the For Kids Only Program, came and spoke at my school, I knew immediately it was something I wanted to do.  The more I thought about it, the more appealing the idea seemed. A program like FKO offers an enjoyable place to spend my time, seeing as nothing is more fun then spending the afternoon with Jon-Anthony.

For Kids Only Afterschool Programs strives to support the needs of children and families through academic, recreational and social opportunities that enhance school day learning and build upon individual strengths and interests necessary for life long success. For more information visit www.fkoafterschool.org.

Meet the match: Sarah and Barbara from Old Colony Y/Big Sister Big Brother

January is National Mentoring Month, and we are highlighting a number of perspectives on mentoring, events, and ways you can get involved in the field. Today’s post, a match highlight, is submitted by  Old Colony Y Big Sister Big Brother.

While we have many individuals who are dedicated volunteers at Big Sister Big Brother, Barbara Taylor has shown an immense level of commitment for her Little Sister, Sarah.  Even though Barbara had already raised a family of her own, in 2009 she made the decision to make a difference in the life of another child.

Barbara and Sarah recently accomplished their goal of canoeing together at our annual match barbecue!

For the past three years, Barbara has served as Sarah’s “Big,” and visited with Sarah consistently every week. Barbara has been there through various challenges that Sarah has experienced in her life, and Sarah’s mother has noted what a difference Barbara’s presence alone has made in her daughter, saying how Sarah seems more confident after seeing Barbara, and that Barbara has had a very positive influence on Sarah’s personal development.

We ask our “Bigs” to make a one-year commitment to their match, but Barbara continues to build her relationship with Sarah long after their one year anniversary has passed. When she was asked about her motivation in continuing the match, Barbara said, “If I were to leave, it would be contrary to everything I’ve been telling her—that you know you matter and you can do well.” Those are the words of a truly committed Big Sister who has her Little’s best interest at heart, and will continue to play a major role in motivating her  for years to come.

Meet the match: Victoria and Chyanne from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass/Metrowest

January is National Mentoring Month, and we are highlighting a number of perspectives on mentoring, events, and ways you can get involved in the field. Today’s post, a match highlight, is submitted from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass/Metrowest.

When Holy Cross junior Victoria Aramini joined the SPUD (Student Programs for Urban Development) program at Holy Cross, she knew that she wanted to work with children in some capacity.  When the opportunity to join the Big Brothers Big Sisters program came along, she thought it would be a perfect fit.  In the spring of 2011, Victoria was matched with her Little Sister, Chyanne, at the Girls, Inc. site-based program in Worcester.  As described by her case manager, the first time they met, Chyanne grabbed Victoria’s hand and it is as if she never let go.

Chyanne, who has grown up with three brothers of her own, is excited to have Victoria as a Big Sister.  The two have regular meetings during the school year and they write letter back and forth during the summer.  Victoria would write Chyanne a list of questions and Chyanne would mail the same paper back, complete with her very unique answers to each question.

Chyanne says the best thing they have done together was when she visited Victoria on the Holy Cross campus – they went to the dining hall, visited Victoria’s dorm, and played soccer outside. Chyanne is very excited to attend a college, such as Holy Cross, one day. Victoria considers her favorite part of their match all the exciting things Chyanne wants to show her each time she enters the door at Girls, Inc.  Sometime it’s a picture she created, sometimes it’s a new book she’s reading, and recently it’s been Cheyanne’s ability to write her name in cursive!

Find out more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central MA/Metrowest at their website: www.bbbscm.org.

Meet the match: Jose and David from Old Colony Y/Big Sister Big Brother

January is National Mentoring Month, and we are highlighting a number of perspectives on mentoring, events, and ways you can get involved in the field. Today’s post, a match highlight, is submitted from Old Colony Y Big Sister Big Brother.

Mentor David and his Little, Jose, have been matched since August 2007.  Since that time, David’s life has changed significantly as he has gained additional responsibilities at work, had two children, and moved more than 30 minutes away.

Despite all of these new responsibilities and changes, David has continued to play a positive role and have a significant presence in Jose’s life.  Jose started high school this past fall and David has been there to encourage, support and guide Jose – even though Jose is quick to point out that it has been a long time since David was in high school!

Jose’s mother has so appreciated David’s involvement with her son, and been so pleased with the positive changes that she has seen with Jose, that she signed up her younger daughter to get a Big Sister. While his sister waited to get a Big, David and Jose would often invite her along on their adventures, exposing her to new opportunities while also furthering Jose’s relationship with her and his commitment to his family.

Find out more information about the Old Colony Y Big Sister Big Brother program.