Grateful Gal
During college years, I thought about how I got to where I was and who helped me along the way. My parents divorced when I was 12 and my mother moved away due to my step father's job. I stayed in my hometown with my father but I was lacking that strong female figure in my life. Someone I could talk to like a Big Sister about the trials of life.
My aunt became that person for me as my mentor, my rock and role model. She was there for every school dance, boyfriend drama and even took me to get my driver's license. I still call her for advice often and when I need to see another point of view in a situation. She has been the best mediator when there are conflicts between me and my parents. I could never repay her for the things she has done for me but that got me thinking, how I can be there for someone like she was there for me?
My junior year of college, I joined Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central California as a Big Sister. I chose to be matched with Julia, a spunky young 13 year old who had already been on the waiting list due to her last Big dropping the program. I was determined to make this match better than her last. Her mother is a hardworking single mom who is striving to provide for her children and I wanted to be there to help her with Julia.
Julia and I spend a lot of time together and I get to see her as she goes through the similar stages I went through. Friendships, boys, school and even getting ready to apply for colleges. She is 16 years old now and we still hang out and talk frequently. I hope to encourage her to reach for her dreams of attending an University after high school. I hope to be there for her as I know the importance of having someone there to fill that Big Sister role. I know that Julia has made as big of an impact in my life and I have in hers.
We have made a lifelong friendship through this wonderful program and I cannot imagine not being a part of this organization. Three years later into our match, I have interned at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central California and recently have taken a position as the Community Outreach Coordinator. I know my job is important as I find people like myself looking to make that difference in a child's life.
Every child deserves someone who wants to help them reach that next milestone, their goals and dreams and be at their full potential. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central California is the program that does just that. That is why I am a grateful gal, I know that I have been blessed with many people in my life that help me succeed and I know I can be that person for another child.
http://bigs.org/
Review from #MyGivingStory