Think BIG! Q&A with Mandy Thompson on Big Brothers Big Sisters
Amanda Thompson and her Little Sister pose with the Big Brothers Big Sisters logo.
Just four hours a month is all it takes to change the life of a child in your community! Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) Miami Valley is currently in need of Bigs, and our Amanda Thompson, JJR Director of Growth Services, would love to see more Bigs join.
Already a Big Sister herself and currently serving as JJR’s community liaison to BBBS, Mandy recently shared with us more about why she became a Big Sister, what it entails, what the experience has meant to her, and how others can help.
JJR: How long have you been a Big Sister?
Mandy: I have been a Big Sister or “Big” for a year now. I was also a Big for about a year during college.
JJR: Why did you originally get involved?
M: I originally got involved during college as a way to support the community since there was a huge need for Bigs. However, after my one-year commitment I realized that my college/work schedule was a little too hectic to provide the time and support needed.
Then, a little over a year ago, I was looking for ways to increase my community involvement and saw the BBBS marketing campaign. Just a few statistics:
94% of Littles report they made better decisions because they were mentored by a Big.
97% report their Big is important to helping them achieve their goals.
91% report improved depressive symptoms because of their Big.
78% of Littles improved their grades and overall academic performance.
I knew right away that being a Big was one of the best ways I could give back and become more deeply involved.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Big Impact Report 2021
JJR: What is the typical interaction you have with your Little Sister or “Little”?
M: I am what’s called a “community-based volunteer,” so my commitment is approximately four hours per month, and interactions can be a mix of things.
Before each outing, I brainstorm interesting and fun ideas with my Little’s mom and coordinate a time with her. My Little and I typically see each other every other week for 2-4 hours for activities like hiking, baking, pottery, Scene75, and museums like the Dayton Art Institute.
We love being outside when the weather permits, so we typically go hiking/exploring at one of the many beautiful parks in the area. Five Rivers MetroParks has developed many fun programs for our community that we try to take advantage of when possible.
JJR: What do you love best about being a Big Sister?
M: I am hopeful that I am making a positive impact on my Little. Being a Big is not without challenges, but overall it is very fulfilling and fun to see them experience things for the first time or learn about something they may be interested in.
JJR: How has being a mentor changed you?
M: I have a deeper understanding and empathy for the challenges that children in our community face. I also have a much greater appreciation for the services that organizations like BBBS provide!
JJR: What would you say to someone who is thinking about joining Big Brothers Big Sisters?
M: Being a Big is incredibly fulfilling and fun. As a community, we must do whatever we can to give kids the best chance possible, and YOU can be the one that provides that chance. Kids are the future, after all!
JJR: How can people learn more or volunteer?
M: The greatest need is for more people to sign up to be Bigs (mentors), whether it be a community-based Big like me, or a school-based Big that works with a Little inside the school system during the school day. However, there are many other ways you can help!
Donations are vital to the success of the program, whether giving money or donating items on BBBS’ Wish List.
If you would like to learn more about upcoming events, apply to be a Big, or donate, please check out the BBBS website at https://www.bbbsmiamivalley.org/.
ABOUT BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS MIAMI VALLEY
Big Brothers Big Sisters Miami Valley’s mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. We do this by making meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers and youth, ages 6 through 18, in communities across the region. Our vision is that all youth achieve their full potential. Visit us at https://www.bbbsmiamivalley.org/.
ABOUT JJR SOLUTIONS
Headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, JJR Solutions is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business working to improve the health, well-being, and security of our communities and nation through management consulting and IT solutions. To learn more, visit www.jjrsolutions.com.