BBBS Sarah Piano

BBBS Featuring Matches

By Sarah Piano

The month of November is often a month where we focus on giving thanks and where we reflect on how to give back. Therefore, we wanted to recognize these amazing mentors and their littles and show you one way you can give back to our community.

Colleen (Big) and Alyssa (Little): Matched for 4 ½ years ASKED COLLEEN: Why did you join BBBS?

I always enjoyed doing respite foster care where I lived previously and thought being a Big would be fun as well.

What activities do you enjoy doing together?

Going to the BBBS planned activities

What are some ways you have stayed connected during Covid?

Through texting each other.

What would you say to someone who is considering becoming a Big?

Be patient and embrace diversity.

ASKED ALYSSA: Why did you join BBBS?

I joined because it seemed fun and I hoped to meet new friends and new people.

What activities do you enjoy doing together?

I like trying new recipes when we cook together. I also like going to the movies before the pandemic started but most of all I just like hanging out and enjoying each other’s company.

What are some ways you have stayed connected during Covid?

Mostly through text. We have also done takeout orders from restaurants and hanging out at her house.

What do you like about your Big?

I like my big a lot and am glad she is my big sister. She has a lot of exciting, wonderful stories about everything. I also like that she is a dog person and that we both like animals.

ASKED KREE: Why did you join BBBS?

I joined BBBS because I was referred by a close friend. At the time I was asked, I felt like I really didn’t have the time with my job, family and handful of projects I was involved in. I thought about it and it brought me back to a time when I was a young boy and wanted someone who was older than me to look up to and for someone to be active in my life to hang out and spend time with me.

What activities do you enjoy doing together?

We have hiked the Red Rocks, library time reading books, we both like to go bowling which I can say he is getting pretty good. We had some awesome conversations over pizza at (Big Cheese Pizza) and watching funny YouTube videos with brownies (Which are his favorite) at Camille’s. He’s also taught me how to be a gamer and he showed me some awesome skills and some great tips from Ricks Cafe to play video games. I also have spent some time at his home when he couldn’t make it out to the main town to meet me. At his house he showed me all his games he has beaten, again showed me how to play those games, awesome times! We had also hit the court for some hoops! It’s amazing how we as “Bigs” can do the little things that make a huge impact in a kid’s life.

What are some ways you have stayed connected during Covid?

Covid is the major issue of connection which at times is so difficult and challenging. We have had some great phone conversations. We have tried to stay in contact but with Eric being in a rural area where cell service is limited and no internet it’s very hard... when the time is right we shall meet in person but as of now we have our conversations over the phone.

What would you say to someone who is considering Kree (Big) and Eric (Little): becoming a Matched for 2 years Big?

Becoming a Big is more than a commitment, it’s having a friend for life. To be in a young person’s life and to stay connected with the young person is rewarding. The need to encourage, the need to help a young person grow, the need to help the young person succeed is such a blessing. Planting seeds for greatness. The potential is there for these young kids to do awesome things. We as adults have the power to ignite

KREE AND ERIC CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE

KREE AND ERIC that in a child’s life.

ASKED ERIC: Why did you join BBBS?

I have no biological siblings only female cousins, so I wanted to have a big brother to hang out with.

What activities do you enjoy doing together?

Bowling, hiking at the Church Rock trails and going to the library.

How have you stayed connected during Covid?

Mostly by talking on the phone.

What do you like most about your Big?

There are so many things. He is funny and he is very mature and is a good role model. I like his “Coolness.” Emma (grandma) insisted on saying something about Kree as well: Kree is awesome. I feel so blessed that he is Eric’s big brother. He is the best gift ever in Eric’s life. We are so thankful for him.

ASKED TONEDA AND CHRISTIAN Why did you join BBBS?

We joined Big Brothers Big Sisters in Gallup, New Mexico to positively impact a child’s life in our community. We’ve always known that it takes so little to make such a big difference.

What activities do you enjoy doing together?

A few of the activities we’ve been able to enjoy since we’ve been matched with Vincent are: fishing, hiking, painting, sightseeing, watching movies at the drive-in theater, attending the local ArtsCrawl, pumpkin carving, playing at the park, shopping, dining out, playing video games, and listening to music.

What are some ways you try to stay connected during Covid?

Christian and I kept in touch by telephone calls and text messages.

What would you say to someone who is considering becoming a big?

Life is busy! It can be hard to find time to volunteer. However, the benefits of volunteering can be enormous. Volunteering as a Big Brother/ Big Sister can offer vital help to a child in need of friendship and empowerment. Make the commitment, be patient, and stay consistent.

ASKED VINCENT: Why did you join BBBS? Toneda and Christian (Bigs) and Vincent: Matched for 9 months

So, I would have someone else to hang out with.

What activities do you enjoy doing together?

Fishing, hiking and going to the mall.

What are some ways you have stayed connected during Covid?

We call each other and text.

What do you like about your Big?

My Bigs are super nice and don’t get mad. They are calm with me all of the time.

Jose (Big) and Eliott (Little): Matched for 1 year ASKED JOSE: Why did you join BBBS?

I had thought about becoming a mentor with BBBS for the last 5 years and finally applied to be a mentor after I drove by the Gallup branch. I had just moved to town and decided to walk in and fill out an application. It’s important for every child to have a consistent and positive adult role model and I wanted to be a stable person in a child’s life who may need that.

What activities do you enjoy doing together?

I’ve learned that we have the most fun doing outdoor activities. We like doing things like hiking Church Rock, mountain biking on the High Desert Trail System, or sledding when it snows. Eliott is a great storyteller and I learn a lot from him. One thing he taught me recently was how to properly clean pinon sap from my hands after picking pinon for the first time. Also, Eliott really likes ice cream and Starbucks, so most hang-outs have to end with one of those things.

What are some ways you have stayed connected during Covid?

I will admit, it was very difficult for us to stay connected when COVID first started. Eliott and I are not the best at communicating virtually--we can both be a bit shy. He did recently get his first cell phone so it has been nice to be able to text him. We’ve also been able to start meeting in person again to do outdoor activities.

What would you say to someone who is considering becoming a Big?

Just go for it! It can feel like a big commitment, but when you hear that your little says positive things about you it makes it all worth it. People join BBBS because they want to make an impact and it’s a special thing when you realize that just by being yourself, you have made a difference.

ASKED ELLIOT: Why did you join BBBS?

To have someone to share my emotions with and to look up to and to have fun with.

What activities do you enjoy doing together?

Hiking, biking, attending BBBS functions and just hanging out.

What are some ways you have stayed connected during Covid?

We video chat and text each other.

What do you like about your Big?

Everything! He is kind and funny. I like that he is willing to hang out and be understanding.

Nicole (Big) and Deanna (Little): Matched for 3 months ASKED NICOLE: Why did you join BBBS?

I joined BBBS because I felt like I could make a difference to someone that needed a friend, someone to talk to, or who needed a supporter.

What activities do you enjoy doing together?

We really like to go get some food and then go on drives.

What are some ways you have stayed connected during Covid?

During these times with Covid, we stay connected through texting and phone calls and through social media.

What would you say to someone who is considering becoming a Big?

If you’re considering being a Big, have an open heart and do not be scared. You can make a difference.

ASKED DEANNA: Why did you join BBBS?

I was bored and wanted someone to hang out with.

What activities do you enjoy doing together?

Going out to eat, hanging out and going for a drive.

What are some ways you have stayed connected during Covid?

We have mostly hung out in person so far.

What do you like about your Big?

She is funny and she is kind. She is a lot like me and she laughs at my jokes.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is looking for more amazing mentors like these folks. If you have ever considered mentoring a young person, call Big Brothers Big Sisters at 505-726-4285 or visit their website at www.bbbsmountainregion.org.

While Bigs and Littles can meet for social distance friendly interactions, Big Brothers Big Sisters is encouraging virtual hangouts such as playing games, cooking, reading, telling jokes, etc via Facetime, Zoom, as well as other platforms. Matches might meet strictly on a virtual basis or a mixture of virtual and in person meetings depending on everyone’s comfort level and governmental mandates.

Interviews and match meetings can also be conducted over video chat during this time as well.

We have Gallup Journey T-shirts!

$15 - Come by the Gallup Journey office at 210 East Aztec and get yours!