‘Big’ mentors from UM inspire kids

BANGOR – Since Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Maine opened an office three years ago in Bangor, the staff have noticed a trend that is influencing the agency in a “big” way. Fully one-quarter of the Big Brother and Big Sister volunteers in Penobscot County attend or are alumni of the University of Maine – a number which continues to grow steadily.

Many “Bigs” come into the program aware that many of the “Littles” have few goals and aspirations because of negative life experiences. Today’s college students see part of their Big role to encourage their Littles’ dreams and motivate them to see college in their future.

“I am excited to share [with my Little Sister] my desire for constant learning, not only within the walls of a classroom, but in our community as well,” said Bethany Walls, a third-year finance major at UM, who recently was matched with 10-year-old Nicole.

“I hope she knows that she can come to me with any dreams and I will take them very seriously,” Walls said. “I also hope that I will be able to nurture her aspirations over the upcoming year and beyond.”

Sometimes parents who enroll a child with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Maine request a Big who can encourage greater school potential as well as a desire to pursue college. Parents realize that a college student or graduate who is a consistent friend can have a positive impact on the child.

“What I love most about being a Big is knowing that [my Little Sister] looks up to me and looks to me for guidance,” said Denise Alley, a third-year psychology major at UM. Alley and 13-year-old Bethany have been matched for a little over a year and already have toured the Orono campus together.

“I like that I can influence her to make good choices and to do well in school,” Alley said. “It’s always nice to know I had a part in that.”

A major concern for the agency is the continuous struggle to recruit Big Brothers. More than 85 percent of the 50 kids on the waiting list for Penobscot County are boys. A new Big Brother to the program and a UM alumni recognized the need and decided to act on it.

“I grew up with a single mom, and although we didn’t have much, she always motivated me to go to college,” said Brian Osborne, a recent finance graduate who has been matched with his 9-year-old Little Brother, Joey, for two months.

“I realize not all kids are as fortunate as I was,” Osborne said, “so I became a Big Brother to hopefully make a difference in some little boy’s life.

“It isn’t that big of a commitment, and in return I get to have fun, so the choice was a no-brainer. At some point, I hope to take Joey to campus, see a college game, and maybe hang out at the union to connect him to the idea of college,” Osborne said.

Although Bigs are one of the most vital parts of the agency, there are other ways for volunteers to support the organization. For those who want to give back to children in their local community, the annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake fundraiser is a way to help.

To join, register a team and collect donations or pledges from friends, colleagues or neighbors. Then, participants are invited to have fun at a bowling party.

Bowl for Kids’ Sake is the agency’s largest annual funding source. Last year the agency raised more than $66,000, and this year it hopes to raise more than $80,000. The event will be held 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, March 25, at Family Fun Lanes in Bangor, and Sunday, March 26, at the Old Town Bowling Center in Old Town.

For information on becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister, on Bowl for Kids’ Sake, or on supporting the program, call (800) 492-5550.