Question: You were drafted into our BBBSKC Big Draft Class of 2020!  What first got you interested in BBBSKC? What made you decide to learn more about being a Big?

Answer: I learned about the Big Draft on Facebook originally! I reached out to my friend who is a BBBS Match Support Specialist and she helped guide me through getting signed up for an info session.

Q: What made you decide to go through with it and become a Big? What was motivating you? What were you looking forward to?

A: I knew from the moment I walked out of the info session that this was something I was meant to do. I reflected on my own life/childhood and how I would have benefited from a program like Big Brothers Big Sisters at a younger age. I wanted to provide that opportunity for someone else.

Q: When you first started off, what were you nervous about? Was there anything you were worried about?

A: I was nervous because at first, I thought I had to create huge/grand outings. I soon realized that just spending time together is grand in itself. My Little and I really enjoy running errands together or just doing small activities at home.

Q: What was it like the first time you met your Little? How have you and your Little gotten to know each other? What do you like to do together?

A: I expected my Little to be shy and timid, but was met with the complete opposite! Faith chatted my ear off while we ate Dairy Queen ice cream. We’ve gotten to know each other by spending time together that requires conversation and collaboration. We enjoy working on crafts, and baking, and have even gone fishing!

Q: How has navigating the COVID-19 pandemic together been for you and your Little? What have you done to stay in touch and connected?

A: My Little and I were matched in summer 2020, so this is all we know right now — masks in public, hand sanitizing frequently, and working on keeping activities safe. We stay in touch by using Kids Messenger (her mom set this up for her) and I’ll send encouraging messages a couple of times a week.

Q: We’ll soon be coming up on your one-year Match anniversary! How has the experience been so far?

A: The experience has been such a joy, I can only hope my Little feels the same way. We’ve both learned so much from each other and have shared many smiles, laughs, and thoughtful conversations.

Q: What are some of your biggest takeaways so far?  What memories stick out? Any important lessons learned?

A: In my Little’s situation, she really just needed someone who looks like her to relate to and ask questions. As a black woman, it’s extremely important that my Little sees that her skin color should not be up for debate regarding any type of stereotyping. She has told me she wants to grow up to be president, and the first thing she would do is “make everyone equal, and take away the bad thoughts about people who have brown skin.”

Q: We’ve just kicked off another year of the Big Draft to recruit more Bigs. If you were talking to someone who was on the fence about becoming a Big, what would you say to convince them to do it?

A: You don’t have to be perfect to be someone’s role model. You can overcome life’s difficulties and use them to make you stronger and wiser. I was really worried I wouldn’t be considered a good fit because I am 25 and working on my first college degree. After convincing myself to give it a shot, I’m so glad I did. Kids need to see that the “traditional” path works for many people, but there’s nothing wrong with taking the path less traveled if it works for them.