Undergraduate / "Big Brothers Big Sisters" - Extracurricular Activity Essay [4]

300 words or less on extracurricular activity

As a freshman, I was given the opportunity to become a mentor for an elementary child through the organization Big Brothers Big Sisters. I am the younger child and with my brother and I being seven years apart I never really got that older sibling guidance. When the opportunity presented itself for me to be an influence in another child's life, I took advantage of it. I felt it important to provide a sibling type relationship to another child since I was not afforded that opportunity. I believe strongly in mentorship and role models. Life itself is an ever-learning experience. People learn from other people; whether it be positive or not, whether wanted or unwanted, whether planned or unplanned, but we learn from our surroundings. I have always wanted be that positive influence in shaping another person's life.

My first "little", as we call them, was so cute. He was a kindergartener and had loads of energy. I felt extremely proud to have encouraged him to do his schoolwork and pay attention in class, and saw how proud he was to bring me his positive feedback from his teachers. After homework, we played games, had snacks, and talked about his interests. I enjoyed being with my "little". We had fun together and I really felt I made a difference in the life of another person. I continued to mentor my freshman year spending at least two hours a week with my "little". This year I continue as a "Big", with a different "little". Being a mentor has allowed me to become a better leader and I consciously make the right decisions because I know others look up to me. In the future, I would like to be a person that any child can aspire to be.

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