Welcome to my fundraising page for the Grow Something Big Campaign to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters! Let me share my story of my path to becoming a Big.

 

I realized the importance of mentoring during my teenage years. My father died when I was 15, and I was lucky enough to have some close family friends who acted as mentors towards me. They got me through some tough times, but didn't stop there. They have continued to have a huge impact on my life. They have supported me in achieving many of my personal goals, and have encouraged a healthy lifestyle.

 

The adversity I overcame challenged me to become a nurse as I wanted to help people as a tribute to my father, who was too late for help. As a tribute to my mentors, I was drawn to joining Big Brothers Big Sisters. My mentors and my mother really taught me the importance of taking initiative and doing what I thought was right in order to help others, and they gave me the courage both in my career advancements and in joining Big Brothers Big Sisters.  

 

I have now been practicing as a nurse for two years, currently working in a Cardiovascular ICU and studying for my CCRN so I can learn more to advance my career and continue to help my patients. I have just passed my one year anniversary with my little and could not be happier with our match. She is so funny and creative and easy-going... we always find something fun to do together! I try to pass on the ideals instilled in me by my own mentors and my mother to my little. I think it is important for the children of this age to have mentors as they can be led astray by the increasing use of technology, media, and current events. I think it's important for children to be influenced young as they can look back and carry their influences on and throughout their life, and continue to pay it forward! Good mentoring ends up becoming a cycle that can end up benefiting countless of people.

 

I ask that you take a bit of your time to look into the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters and consider helping us Bigs help the kiddos! Consider donating to the cause, or maybe even look into being a Big yourself... I am so blessed for the bit of time I get to spend with my Little. Thank you for reading, and I appreciate any help you are willing to give!