On the street

Big Brothers Big Sisters Holiday Party

I truly admire the volunteers of Big Brothers Big Sisters.

I remember when I was kindergarten, looking up to the sixth grade student who was my “Reading Pal.” These older kids were paired with the school’s youngest to read together once a week. I saw my pal in the lunchroom and when she waved at me, I was so excited. I thought she was the coolest and the fact that she wanted to be my friend was even cooler.

An organization like Big Brothers Big Sisters, based on the premise that kids benefit by receiving attention and by finding a friend dedicated to making them feel special, is wonderful. Kids bask in such attention, like I did in kindergarten when my older friend waved at me. The “Bigs” as the Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteers are called, are not only positive role models for their “Littles,” but offer them the self-esteem and happiness that comes from knowing someone with no obligations to do so cares about them and wants to spend time with them.

Feeling loved like that? In my opinion, that’s the greatest feeling in the world.   |    Login or Join to Post Comments