Lauren & her little sister Gladys |
Big Sister's name: Lauren
Interests: Exploring NYC, walks, movies, reading and writing.
Reason for becoming a Big:
Lauren wanted to join BBBS because she was looking for a consistent and long-term volunteer opportunity where she could be truly involved with kids. She has volunteered and mentored in the past, but the projects were short-term and she always left feeling like she could have been more engaged. She feels that BBBS-NYC provides the ability to mentor and create a friendship with a young person and help them define and articulate their individual personalities in an incredibly large city.
Little Sister's name: Gladys
Age: 14
Interests: Singing, dancing, listening to music, reading, art, movies and trying new things.
Reason for coming to BBBS of NYC:
Gladys's mother wanted her to be involved in the program because she believes in the value of mentorship. She also feels that Gladys could benefit from being surrounded by another positive young woman. Someone who could motivate her to better herself while exploring her interests and pushing herself to accomplish things that other wise she would not do.
The Match
Date matched: 10/19/2006
Activities they've enjoyed:
Gladys and Lauren took a trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which they both enjoyed. They took a very silly and lighthearted approach to the works of art and sculptures, which was definitely a lot of fun. They always take a lot of pictures when they are together. Lauren was able to share her interest in photography with Gladys and goofy photos of their outings have been developing over the past couple of months!
Although Gladys has gone to the Metropolitan Museum of Art before, she expressed having such a different experience because Lauren took the time to educate her. Gladys now feels that she can teach others what she has learned. They also attended the National Girls & Women Sports day at Chelsea Piers. Gladys really enjoyed this activity as she was able to be exposed to one of her interest which is track & field. After this experience, she feels more optimistic and confident to get involved in her school track & field team.
How the program has helped them: Gladys feels that this experience has helped her build her confidence level and be more open to trying new things. In the past, her shyness would prevent her from speaking about what she is passionate about. She feels that she can speak to Lauren and not feel judged by her but rather encouraged to follow her dreams. Her communication skills and behavior at school has improved since she first started the match with Lauren. Gladys aspires to be a singer or a pediatrician when she grows up.
Lauren really enjoys spending time with Gladys and with every outing they feel more comfortable with each other and spend half the time laughing and being silly. Their freindship has added a level of richness and fulfillment to Gladys's life that she has been missing. And the amount of fun they have when they are together has inspired Lauren to try to create that in her other personal relationships with friends and family. Lauren feels that Gladys has as much fun as she does when they are together, and hopes their friendship has been a positive addition to her life.
See Also:
 About BBBS of NYC
Become a Volunteer
Make a Donation
Read Match Stories
Visit BBBS of NYC Online
|
