Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) is a mentoring program for children ages 5 to 18. It provides opportunities for young participants to build lasting friendships, explore new activities, and receive guidance from mentors who support their growth and development.
To highlight the impact of mentorship programs in fostering personal growth, confidence, and community engagement, while inspiring others to participate in or support initiatives that empower young individuals.
The top three things I learned from this showcase:
BBBS offers a variety of engaging activities within local communities, from marathons to academic support and neighborhood tours.
The program helps shape young minds by exposing them to new experiences and personal growth opportunities.
BBBS also organizes fundraisers, such as the upcoming “Night at the Derby” event on April 29, 2023, to support its mission.
Growing up in a multicultural family, I have seen different perspectives on this program:
American side: Appreciates the mentorship aspect, encourages trying new things, and values community involvement.
Dominican side: Finds the program less familiar, prioritizes independent study, and has a different understanding of mentorship.
These differing viewpoints have given me insight into how cultural backgrounds can shape attitudes toward extracurricular programs like BBBS.
Through my journey in BBBS, I have gained:
Confidence in stepping outside my comfort zone.
Exposure to new foods, places, sports, and events.
A better understanding of academic honesty—learning the difference between helping and doing someone else’s work.
My mentor, Emily, guided me through these lessons, reinforcing the importance of making ethical choices and embracing new experiences.
I am proud to have shared my passion for BBBS through this showcase. This program has helped me grow, make new friends, and challenge myself in ways I never expected. I hope my presentation inspires others to explore mentorship and extracurricular activities that encourage personal development.