I have been in Durango for a year and am happy in so many ways to call this awesome town home. One of the first things I did when I moved last year was to get in touch with Big Brothers Big Sisters about becoming a Big.
I moved here from Chattanooga, Tennessee, where I had the delight of spending time every week with my niece. In losing that weekly time with her, I was losing seeing the world through a young person’s eyes, the vicarious joy of discovery and sharing my caring with her in that special in person way. In our time together, I came to appreciate the gifts a grown up friend can bring to a child’s life – a neutral and validating touchstone, a confidence builder, a mature reference outside the immediate family.
The application process and training with Big Brothers, Big Sisters was wonderful. Quickly, I was paired with a young girl in the after-school program, “Study Connection,” in which Bigs spend an hour each week with our Littles at the school, helping with homework, playing games, talking.
I look forward to the time I spend with my Little every single week. I love seeing her excitement at my being there and feeling the strength of our connection growing over these past months.
Right now, there are many children in Durango waiting for a mentor. I have heard from one of the coordinators that some of the parents call every week to see if there is a mentor for their child. There are not enough mentors for the children who are in need.
If you are willing to make a difference in a child’s life by sharing yourself for as little as one hour a week (There is especially a shortage of Big Brothers!), please contact Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Colorado or the local chapter where you live. Believe me, you, like I have, may find that the gift you give is returned to you many fold in the meaningfulness and caring that comes with mentoring a young person.
Beth Austin
Durango
