We are Family

Forum Date: Monday, October 1, 2012

As soon as I found out that Gina Mashburn from the Big Brother, Big Sister Program was coming to talk to us, the song "We are Family" immediately began playing in my head. Yes, if I could have it my way, my life would be a musical. Although that would require me to have some singing abilities... which I have yet to acquire. Once again, I digress.

Getting back on track, Gina graduated in 1987 with a degree in sociology and a minor in art and Spanish. She was the case manager of BBBS from 1989-1996, worked at the Sheffield City Schools mentoring program (which partners with BBBS), and was hired as the director of the local Big Brother, Big Sister program back in March.

The Big Brother, Big Sister Program is an agency that helps children that need a good role model relationship. A majority of the kids are boys, so there is a huge need for male volunteers.

The Big Brother, Big Sister Program really hits home for me. In high school, I participated in my school's version of this organization and was paired with a girl a few years younger than me. When I first met her, she was the shyest little thing; I would carry on most of our conversations and plan all of our get-togethers. My main job was just to listen to her. Most of the kids involved with the program didn't have parents that were involved in their lives, so having an older role model available to listen to them speak their minds meant the world to them. Slowly, but surely she began to open up to me and trust me with her secrets. It was then that we truely became friends and she started coming to me for advice. It was an amazing feeling knowing that I was directly impacting a child's life in a positive way.

Even though I can't participate in the Big Brother, Big Sister Program here in the Shoals area (I don't have a car), I am excited to say that I will still be able to volunteer at one of the program's events. In December, there is going to be a gift wrapping station at the local mall for several days. WORDS CAN'T EVEN DESCRIBE HOW EXCITED I AM FOR THIS. I love, love, LOVE wrapping presents. I'm practically a pro, so if you're volunteering with me the answer is, yes, it will be a contest. ;) This will help fulfill my civic engagement duties AND will also fall under my platform of volunteering in the community and helping children. Dear December, please hurry.