After feeling like I needed to put some good vibes out there, I joined Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region. I had so many great and caring mentors throughout my life that I wanted to be that for someone else. And so far, I feel I’m doing just that. What I’ve realized in the short time I’ve been matched with my funny, inquisitive, and sweet Little Sister Rakiah is that it’s not just the mentee who gets something out of the pairing. I have learned so much from her and our outings, not just about her, but about myself.

On one outing we played mini-golf, a staple for me growing up, which she had never played. So I tried to teach Rakiah, as I had been taught, how to hold the club and place her feet. It was not perfect, but it was fun. I realized quickly that keeping score was pointless and as a competitive person it was hard to let go of that. And there were some wild swings, and lost golf balls, but no judgment. We didn’t need a winner to enjoy ourselves. It was more about me sharing a part of my childhood with her, while I got to be a part of hers.

I believe I came into the program at exactly the right time. My Little was waiting to be matched for nearly seven months. And while I think we’re perfect for each other, seven months is an eternity to a child. That’s why I’m taking part in the Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Grow Something Big fundraiser. By participating in this I will help dozens of children in the Capital Region be matched. Plus, if I raise the full $625 my Little will be entered in a drawing for a small scholarship. That’s money that I’m sure my Little could use when she’s pursuing her dreams of working with animals. So I’m asking for your help to reach that goal and continue the good that the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region is doing.