Passing on a torch

   By Josie Whitehead

    Young People’s Press

Three years ago I got involved with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Quesnel. I was starting at the College of New Caledonia and needed a placement for my practicum for my Social Service Worker degree.

I told my instructor, Maureen Trotter, that I was interested in becoming a Big Sister. “That’s it,” she said, “you could do your practicum with Big Brothers and Big Sisters.” I did so and became a Big Sister as well.

I never thought that I would have such a wonderful experience. I really enjoyed being involved in such a rewarding agency. I did office duties, helped to fundraise, went to meetings in the community and helped with monthly group outings.

Big Brothers/Big Sisters’ executive director Maggie Bello thought that it would be easier for me if I were an In-School mentor. She told me she had just the girl for me.

I was nervous when I first met my Little Sister because I thought she might not like me. When I first saw Shanera she was so shy and happy to get a Big Sister, I felt honoured to be a part of her life. I thought I had so much to offer her, but as time passed I discovered how much she has given me. She had changed so much over the years into a positive, happier person.

My schedule gets crazy at times, and I had thought once that I would have to drop something. I realized then that I could never turn my back on my Little Sister. She has to have something stable in her life, and if it’s that one hour a week with me, I will just have to fit her in.

I started Training Taekwon-do with my children. I asked my instructor Brad Heidt if he would be interested in sponsoring some kids from Big Brothers/Big Sisters. He was delighted to have extra students, so I went back to the agency’s board and suggested that we pick some kids to go.

For the first year I drove some girls to class. They trained hard and seemed to enjoy the discipline. They really came out of their shell and smiled more, had more confidence and learned to be leaders. Not to mention the awesome shape they got into.

The second year I was still taking college classes. I continued to be involved in fundraising and other events. I kept up with the progress of the students who took Taekwon-do. I continued seeing my Little Sister.

I helped do a Life Choice group for Big Brothers/Big Sisters in BakerElementary School, and then held a group on my own in BarlowCreekElementary School.

Bowl for Kids Sake is one of the largest fundraising campaigns for Big Brothers/Big Sisters so putting my best effort in to getting prizes and getting pledges is priority.

This year I started work with a community service organization.. School and my involvement with Big Brothers/Big Sisters helped me get this job. This year would be different because my schedule was not predictable as I was a casual and could be called to work at any time.

I am still part of the committee for Bowl for Kids Sake and have taken on other responsibilities, such as leading a group outing to Cotton Wood House, which went very well.

My Little wanted to change programs from In-School mentoring to the traditional Big Sister/Little Sister program, and so it turned out that it was best for both of us. Now we meet on the weekends and see more of each other and do more fun things outside of the school.

Although we miss the baking and crafts we use to do at the school because I live so far out of town, we enjoy finding other things to do like watch movies and plays, have picnics, take walks, and shop.

One day Shanera asked me how I was doing, I said, “Fine.”

She said, “No, how are you doing?”

Shanera wanted to know how thing were going for me. I thought, “Wow, she cares about me.” I thought I was supposed to be the one to care for her, not the other way around.

I held another Life Choice group and as it worked out we had a practicum student looking for a project. So we got her to co-facilitate a group with me. I worried that the time we had with the girls was too short to fit everything in.

But we seemed to get very positive responses from the girls. Many asked if we could have another group with them. The real surprise was when I met the moms and they mentioned how much they have heard about me. I felt like I have made a difference in these girls’ lives.

Realizing that I am a role model for my Little and others is a frightening and yet exciting because I am First Nation and never imagined that I would be looked at with value.

The fact is that there are not as many Native role models as there should be. My Little Sister is Native and I hope that one day I will look at her and see a role model in her own rights.

I have a debt to society for the many people who helped me become the person I am today; passing on the torch is every mentor’s dream.