any other Big Brothers/Big Sisters volunteers here?

[geekgrrl]

I was matched with a little sister for the past couple years- but she is 15 now and decided not to continue with the program (even though our match went great and we still keep in touch).

Anyway, I am getting matched this week with a new 10 year old little sister. I am posting this today because in her biography she listed Martin Luther King Jr. as her idol and her 3 wishes in the world were: (1) no poor people (2) world peace and (3) for no racial discrimination.

I am meeting her soon, but have only heard about her from the caseworker. She is from a very poor local family- single mother with severe learning disabilities. She is one of 7 kids. Her mother and teacher (who selected her for the program) both believe she needs new experiences, and someone to help her self esteem. The teacher wrote that she was a wonderful sweet, spunky girl, but came to school tired and couldn't concentrate alot.

I'm posting this first to find out if there are other volunteers at DU, and second, to encourage people at DU to think about volunteering for Big Brothers/Big Sisters. There are probably hundreds of kids like my little I described above in your community. The organization is wonderful- they are also fully accepting of gay and lesbian volunteers. I just think with all that Bush is doing to make these kids' life chances harder, more and more disadvantaged kids are going to need a "big" who they can talk to, and who'll believe in them. I am a crazy-busy grad student who works part time, and I find 2 hours a week to spend with my little. Spending time with my last little sister grounded me, it reminded me of not only being a kid, but of life outside my sphere of grad student friends and professors. I just can't think of a better way for anybody to really make a difference in kids' lives.

[chicagojoe]

1. I was a big brother several years ago.

It was VERY fulfilling, and once I was involved, it became even more apparent to me how important it was to volunteer in this way.
JUST DO IT!

[seabeyond]

2. you are just precious

thank you for sharing your experience, ...........and compassion