Life is made in the moments, big and little. For nearly three years, I’ve served as a “Big” through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana, where I’ve been paired with my now 12-year-old “Little,” Bre. This mentorship has been an incredible journey, building a meaningful relationship and creating lasting memories.
For our very first outing together, we went out to Bre’s favorite restaurant, Texas Roadhouse, where we got to know each other over dinner. Since then, our bond has grown immensely and we’ve enjoyed countless activities together. Whether it’s ice skating, cooking classes, Activate Games, visits to Kentucky Kingdom or painting pottery, each experience has helped me create a space where my little can simply enjoy herself without any pressure or expectations.
BBBS Kentuckiana serves children and teens ages 7 to 15 in 10 counties across Kentucky and Indiana. The organization aims to connect youth with mentors who will help them reach their full potential. The selection is intentional, considering personality, shared interests and overall fit to ensure a strong and supportive bond.
While I am a part of the one-to-one matches program, which is the more well-known program at BBBS, the organization offers other impactful opportunities in the community. The School to Work program teaches students about workplace readiness and provides them access to a mentor. There’s also the Site-based Mentorship, which connects bigs and littles at school, allowing older high school students to become bigs and inspire younger kids.
One of my most cherished memories with my little was participating in the inaugural Floral Frenzy 5K at Kentucky Kingdom, which benefitted BBBS Kentuckiana. After running and being doused in color, we spent the rest of the day at the park. Thanks to community partners like Kentucky Kingdom, bigs like me can offer our littles experiences they may not otherwise have. These moments are more than just fun; they teach valuable life lessons, like the importance of health and exercise and giving back to the community, all while creating joyful memories.
As much as bigs serve as a critical support system for our littles, it’s also our job to help them be kids. Much like Kentucky Kingdom, we’re all about creating memories worth repeating. I hope that through our time together, my little will look back on her childhood with fondness, achieve her dreams and maybe even go on to serve as a big for someone else someday.
These “Big” and “Little” moments are more than just mentorship, they’re the building blocks for a bond that lasts a lifetime.
Lee Fowler grew up in Kentucky and lives and works in Louisville. She has a passion for community engagement and has volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana for nearly three years.
Agree or disagree? Submit a letter to the editor here.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: It’s our job at Big Brothers Big Sisters to help kids be kids
Amanda Smith is a dedicated U.S. correspondent with a passion for uncovering the stories that shape the nation. With a background in political science, she provides in-depth analysis and insightful commentary on domestic affairs, ensuring readers are well-informed about the latest developments across the United States.
