December is a busy time for college students preparing for their finals.
But Purdue University Northwest student Erika Ward still found time to participate in the new Big Brothers Big Sisters organization taking place on her campus.
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“I like what this program stands for,” Ward said, during a recent holiday party for the ‘bigs’ and ‘littles’. “It gives the young people an opportunity to work with a mentor and a friend.”
Ward and her classmates from a leadership class at Purdue first became aware of the program during a visit from Kat Markiewicz, Site-Based Program Coordinator for Big Brothers Big Sisters.
The result of that presentation was a partnership between 11 PNW students to be paired with 11 students from Hammond’s Jefferson Elementary School.
“I hadn’t heard of Big Brothers Big Sisters before,” said PNW senior Osiris Morales, who is paired this semester with Javier Lopez, 10. “But this was an opportunity to become involved and make an impact.”
His little brother is glad he did.
“This (program) is a lot of fun,” Javier said, as the two set up a game at the recent holiday party. “My big brother explains things to me, and he’s also patient.”
PNW student Kayleigh Young is enjoying the unique experience with little sister Makayla Johnson, 9.
“I like helping people with their issues and just being a friend,” Kayleigh said. “We get to make a deep connection.”
After Markiewicz’s presentation, the students signed up for the program for the duration of the current school year.
“I’ve always worked with the Girls on the Run (organization) and felt I could be a good role model,” said PNW senior Lorena Alvarado, as her reason for joining. “This experience is even more positive than I thought it would be.”
Past activities for the ‘bigs’ and ‘littles’ at the Purdue site have included a day with PNW athletes, games in the PNW gymnasium, a dance party and other fun times.
“This is another effort and collaboration to bring different types of leadership experiences to campus,” said Andrew Pettee, Purdue Northwest Director of Student Assistance, Leadership and Conduct within the PNW Dean of Students Office. “Our students will gain valuable mentoring skills and experience working with these local elementary students.”
He added that a goal of Big Brothers Big Sisters is to change for the better the lives of children facing adversity through the development of strong and enduring, professionally-supported, one-to-one relationships that provide a positive, lasting effect.
Jefferson Elementary School teacher Sienna Taylor is the liaison between PNW and her school.
She also has taken on the responsibility of accompanying the young people on the bus provided by Big Brothers Big Sisters to the Purdue site two times a month.
“This experience is wonderful for everyone involved,” she said. “The kids really look forward to the meetings and they’re learning a lot.”
For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters, call (312) 207-5600 or visit online at http://www.bbbschgo.org.
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.