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I’m a proud “big sister.” And, if you ask my “little sister” in Shawnee’s Big Brothers & Big Sisters you’d likely hear her say she’s a proud “little sister.” My “little sister” and I have a supportive and caring friendship. It’s been a blessing for me and I believe my “little sister” shares that blessing.
Successful mentorships can be a powerful and positive experience for everyone involved, the child, family and mentor. And, if you know the meaning of “paying it forward” then you know the potential for a positive ripple effect when one consciously chooses to make a difference in one child’s life.
The American Heritage Dictionary defines mentor as a wise and trusted counselor or teacher. Frankly, you don’t have to be a counselor or a teacher, have money or hold a position. You do have to be someone of character, who cares about children and willing to share some of your time.
The goal of Big Brothers & Big Sisters is to match a caring adult or a couple with a child referred through the Shawnee office. Referrals may come from school, community service organizations and relatives. Unfortunately, Big Brothers & Big Sisters has more children referred than mentors to fill the need. There is an urgent need to have more responsible men and husband/wife teams step forward to be mentors. Currently, Shawnee has twenty-five “littles” waiting for a “big” and the majority are “little” boys. Statewide nearly four hundred “littles” are waiting to be matched with a responsible and caring “big” or “couple.”
Mike and Judy Harrell, were recently named by Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Oklahoma, “Oklahoma’s Big Couple of the Year.” Those who know Judy and Mike aren’t surprised because giving to others and servant leadership is part of who they are. When their “little”, since 2006, moved to Lexington they continued their match. And when their “little” was asked about them he said, “Mike and Judy affected my life because they were the first friends that I ever had…when I moved to my new school they became my friends and they made me feel more comfortable around people at my school. They always take the time to listen to my thoughts and ideas and they never overlook me.” When their little’s mother was interviewed she said, “Mike and Judy are very kind, thoughtful, caring, trusting and honest. Our family, especially (my son), is blessed to have met them.”
Meaningful mentorships are powerful for the “littles” and the “bigs.” These positive relationships, like Mike and Judy’s, build life long bonds that keep children and families healthier and build positive and successful futures that “pay it forward” in an ever widening ripple through the community. Please consider being a mentor or if you know a couple or individual who would be a good mentor, refer them to the Shawnee Big Brothers & Big Sisters’ office at 275-3553. I’m proud of being a “big sister” and highly recommend it. It’ll do you proud too.
And, on Aug. 17, at noon, OSU President Burns Hargis will speak at a public meeting and combined civic club meeting at the CPN Cultural Heritage Center. President Hargis’ presentation is sponsored by START a community organization and foundation that seeks to “Stop Truancy and Reduce Tardiness.” START supports education, mentors and works locally to keep students engaged in school through high school graduation and post secondary education and skills training. START and its foundation are investing in the future-Shawnee’s children.
Editor’s Note: This Guest Editorial is offered by Marilyn Bradford. She is a member of The Shawnee News-Star Guest Editorial Board. She also recently retired as Shawnee school superintendent. The views expressed by our guest editorialists and guest columnists are theirs, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the News-Star management.
I’m a proud “big sister.” And, if you ask my “little sister” in Shawnee’s Big Brothers & Big Sisters you’d likely hear her say she’s a proud “little sister.” My “little sister” and I have a supportive and caring friendship. It’s been a blessing for me and I believe my “little sister” shares that blessing.
Successful mentorships can be a powerful and positive experience for everyone involved, the child, family and mentor. And, if you know the meaning of “paying it forward” then you know the potential for a positive ripple effect when one consciously chooses to make a difference in one child’s life.
The American Heritage Dictionary defines mentor as a wise and trusted counselor or teacher. Frankly, you don’t have to be a counselor or a teacher, have money or hold a position. You do have to be someone of character, who cares about children and willing to share some of your time.
The goal of Big Brothers & Big Sisters is to match a caring adult or a couple with a child referred through the Shawnee office. Referrals may come from school, community service organizations and relatives. Unfortunately, Big Brothers & Big Sisters has more children referred than mentors to fill the need. There is an urgent need to have more responsible men and husband/wife teams step forward to be mentors. Currently, Shawnee has twenty-five “littles” waiting for a “big” and the majority are “little” boys. Statewide nearly four hundred “littles” are waiting to be matched with a responsible and caring “big” or “couple.”
Mike and Judy Harrell, were recently named by Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Oklahoma, “Oklahoma’s Big Couple of the Year.” Those who know Judy and Mike aren’t surprised because giving to others and servant leadership is part of who they are. When their “little”, since 2006, moved to Lexington they continued their match. And when their “little” was asked about them he said, “Mike and Judy affected my life because they were the first friends that I ever had…when I moved to my new school they became my friends and they made me feel more comfortable around people at my school. They always take the time to listen to my thoughts and ideas and they never overlook me.” When their little’s mother was interviewed she said, “Mike and Judy are very kind, thoughtful, caring, trusting and honest. Our family, especially (my son), is blessed to have met them.”
Meaningful mentorships are powerful for the “littles” and the “bigs.” These positive relationships, like Mike and Judy’s, build life long bonds that keep children and families healthier and build positive and successful futures that “pay it forward” in an ever widening ripple through the community. Please consider being a mentor or if you know a couple or individual who would be a good mentor, refer them to the Shawnee Big Brothers & Big Sisters’ office at 275-3553. I’m proud of being a “big sister” and highly recommend it. It’ll do you proud too.
And, on Aug. 17, at noon, OSU President Burns Hargis will speak at a public meeting and combined civic club meeting at the CPN Cultural Heritage Center. President Hargis’ presentation is sponsored by START a community organization and foundation that seeks to “Stop Truancy and Reduce Tardiness.” START supports education, mentors and works locally to keep students engaged in school through high school graduation and post secondary education and skills training. START and its foundation are investing in the future-Shawnee’s children.
Editor’s Note: This Guest Editorial is offered by Marilyn Bradford. She is a member of The Shawnee News-Star Guest Editorial Board. She also recently retired as Shawnee school superintendent. The views expressed by our guest editorialists and guest columnists are theirs, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the News-Star management.
