Opinion: High schoolers can be mentors through Big Brothers/Big Sisters of WNC
High school students have the opportunity to mentor elementary and middle school children in a Big Brothers Big Sisters program that is expanding in Western North Carolina.
BBBS of Western North Carolina’s “High School Bigs” program matches big-hearted high school students with school-aged kids who could benefit from an older mentor. Through its High School Bigs and community- and site-based matches, BBBSWNC creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
Elementary and middle school-age children, many with behavioral, academic, or other social needs, are referred to BBBSWNC by school counselors, teachers, social workers or other school personnel. Teachers have said children in the BBBSWNC’s High School Bigs program have improved their academic performance, decreased serious school infractions, and lessened school days skipped.
Surveys with school personnel in May 2021 regarding youth in our community and school/site-based programs have shown that:
· 97% of BBBSWNC Littles became more self-confident
· 95% improved problem-solving skills
· 90% became more motivated to learn
· 93% increased their school engagement
· 92% improved completion of homework
High School Bigs meet their Littles at the younger person’s school weekly. Together they work on the child’s homework for 30 minutes and then do 30 minutes of something fun, like playing board games and walking outside (afterward Bigs walk their Little back to their classroom). BBBSWNC supports the High School Bigs by suggesting activities to do, such as starting a scrapbook, making family trees, reading books together, and looking at careers and colleges online.
The mentors, many of whom build leadership and compassion skills that help with college and job opportunities later, are asked to show up regularly and on time to give their Little lots of attention and encouragement. Listening, not “preaching,” works best with kids, Bigs have found, as do respecting lifestyles, reinforcing successes, tolerating frustrating situations and communicating on their Littles’ levels.
Respecting school policies and guidelines is important, as are prompting the child’s learning and not imposing values or solutions on the Little. Change typically happens slowly in a young person’s life, High School Bigs have found. Teachers are often happy to supply homework aids to help Bigs bolster their Littles’ academic success.
“As a mentor, you get the opportunity to introduce your Little to new ideas, activities, or interests,” Jamye Davis, BBBSWNC executive vice president of programming, said of potential High School Bigs. “Try to plan activities that build their background knowledge - this will translate into success at school and in life.
“Plan your Little’s dream vacation,” Davis said. “Map the trip, plan a budget, and make a list of cool places to visit. If you have access to a computer, have your Little investigate a topic of interest online. Create a comic to show what they learned.”
High School Bigs are asked to keep all information from their Little confidential. If there are concerns of abuse or neglect, or if their Little brings up sensitive topics such as drugs, alcohol, religion or sexual activities, Bigs are asked to contact their BBBSWNC program coordinator immediately. Talking on the phone is fine, BBBSWNC said, but Bigs are asked not to accept their Littles’ social media friend requests.
And as always, High School Bigs will receive lots of help and support from their BBBS program coordinator. To apply, visit https://www.bbbswnc.org/high-school-bigs-application/.
Paul Clark is the Communications Coordinator for Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC
This article originally appeared on Hendersonville Times-News: High schoolers can be mentors through Big Brothers/Big Sisters of WNC
