Big Brothers/Big Sisters provides opportunity for students
If you are looking for a rewarding experience that helps your community here in Newport News, look no further. The organization Big Brothers/Big Sisters is a great program to be a part of. The office is located right across the street from campus next to the old Hollywood Video store.
After filling out an information sheet, you are then invited to come in for an interview and provide further information. During the interview, you can learn more about the program while the organization gets to know you in order to find a good “match” for you. The little brothers and sisters available range from elementary school level to high school level. Many of the kids need someone to talk to and help guide them. Typically, big brothers or sisters meet with their little brother or sister about an hour a week.
This hour can truly make a difference in a child’s life. I did not realize how much of a difference it makes until after I was given my little sister, a third grader at Riverside Elementary. Her teacher wanted her to work on her reading skills. After eating lunch and talking in the cafeteria, we will read several books together, discussing them before she tastes a test.
Her teacher came to me a couple of weeks ago and told me that the student had brought her grades up and had improved her reading skills drastically. Not only did this surprise me, but also made me realize what a rewarding experience this program can be.
Even though our main activity is to work on her reading skills, we also talk about how she is doing and what she is planning on doing in the upcoming week.
In addition to reading, there is also a gym available for bigs and littles to use for physical activity and games together. Also, after meeting your little’s parents or guardians, there are available activities outside of school. For example, last month Big Brothers/Big Sisters hosted several bowling days for bigs and littles to participate in.
The people at Big Brothers/Big Sisters are extremely helpful. They check in often to make sure things are going all right and that there are no issues. The teachers and school administrators are very accommodating, welcoming and encouraging. Although it seems like such a small effort at first, you will realize that is truly rewarding for both your little and yourself.
Posted by Chelsea Brobst
on Mar 16 2011. Filed under Beyond CNU.
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