Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast honor 2022 Big Brother & Big Sister of the Year

Sarasota Herald-Tribune
·2 min read
Big Brother of the Year Carlos Bates and Little Brother Mihretu enjoy spending time at the park. Bates has volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast since 2010.
Big Brother of the Year Carlos Bates and Little Brother Mihretu enjoy spending time at the park. Bates has volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast since 2010.

Harriet Thompson of Venice and Carlos Bates of Sarasota have been honored as the 2022 Big Brother and Big Sister of the Year by Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast.

“I was hesitant at first about becoming a Big Sister,” Thompson said. “What did I know about children, never having any of my own.  What did I have to offer a child, and was I good enough? I soon discovered you do not have to be perfect (lucky me). I think the most important quality of a Big is to listen, to share your life experiences, good and bad, and to sprinkle fun times along the way.”

Big Sister of the Year Harriet Thompson with Little Sister Amanda. "I think the most important quality of a Big is to listen, to share your life experiences, good and bad, and to sprinkle fun times along the way,” Harriet said.
Big Sister of the Year Harriet Thompson with Little Sister Amanda. "I think the most important quality of a Big is to listen, to share your life experiences, good and bad, and to sprinkle fun times along the way,” Harriet said.

Amanda, Harriet’s Little Sister, and Harriet have been together for 11 years.

“If I didn’t have Harriet in my life, I would most likely rely on others to get me where I want to go," Amanda said when asked where she thinks she would be today without Harriet. "Early on in our relationship, I struggled a lot with people’s opinions of me, and without her, I would listen to what others would say or think about me.

"Harriet has taught me how to stand up for myself and not care about other people’s opinions. Because of her, I’ve been more comfortable being my true authentic self.”

Carlos is a longtime Big Brother. He first came to the agency in 2010 and offers a wealth of experience in mentoring with both children and young adults.

Carlos was matched with his Little Brother, Mihretu, in 2017. The formality of the paperwork bored them both and it was obvious that they just wanted to get on with it. They were ready for “the fun part.”

Mihretu said he was sizing up Carlos early on in their relationship, with questions such as, “Why are you so tall?” as they were getting ready for a picture.

“I was born this way.” Carlos said, and then joked, “Why are you so short?”

At that, Mihretu grabbed a chair and pulled it up next to his new friend. He climbed up and looked squarely at Carlos. “I’m not short. I am tall like you!” The shutter clicked – the first moment of their wisecracking, fun-loving friendship.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast has been matching youth in meaningful, enduring, professionally supported mentoring relationships with adult volunteers for over 50 years. The approach is designed to support educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, higher aspirations, greater confidence, and improved relationships.

This past year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast served over 1,500 youth across a 10-county footprint. For information, visit bbbssun.org.

Submitted by Gina Taylor

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sun Coast celebrate volunteers of the year