The mission of the Big Siblings program at Longwood University is to “touch the lives of children who may need encouragement and support otherwise offered by older siblings.” The program pairs Longwood students with children at Prince Edward County Elementary School.
In previous years, Big Siblings also worked within the local middle school. They hope to re-establish this connection in time, said Bridges. The school, Prince Edward County Middle School, recently acquired a new guidance counselor.
Kate Bridges, the program's president, said they are waiting for the counselor to get acclimated to their position before they reinstate the program at the school.
The Longwood students involved in the program, or the “bigs” as they are termed, “go to (the students, or “littles”), mentor them and listen to them,” said Bridges. Bridges, an elementary education junior, joined the program in the spring of her freshmen year.
Bridges said the Longwood “bigs” get matched with a “little” that have been recommended to the guidance counselor in the school to be part of this program. These particular elementary students are recommended because they may be having behavioral problems in class.
“Or they need to talk to someone or need a good example in their life,” Bridges said.
The Big Siblings president said there’s a particular need for this program in the Farmville community.
“Any school you go into there are going to be troubled kids. But the community has pockets of poverty around and a lot of the students are affected by that,” she said.
“I have a second grade little,” Bridges said, smiling before correcting herself. “Sorry, a third grade little. She moved grades.”
The Longwood “bigs” meet with their “littles” once a week. Usually, they eat lunch, spend recess with them in school or go to class with them depending on the teacher, explained Bridges.
Bridges describes Big Siblings as less of “big picture organization.” She says they focus on “one small aspect of the community” in order to contribute to the community as a whole.
The Longwood “bigs” themselves aren’t always looking for drastic results, finding satisfaction in the little differences they make in their one “little’s” life. That's what Bridges said she believes mentorship truly is, helping one person in small ways in order to better help everyone.
“Our members are always coming to us and telling us stories about how their littles are doing better in school, or they’re starting to talk to them and open up to them,” Bridges said.
For students who may be interested in learning more about the Big Siblings Program, contact Big Siblings membership chairman Kayla Mainzer.
The Big Siblings train to learn how to properly act for and towards their 'little siblings.'
The Big Siblings train to learn how to properly act for and towards their 'little siblings.'
