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gram invited us and several other [Big Brothers Big Sisters] matches down for an afternoon tour,” Mary said. The two enjoyed being on the water and spending quality time together. Mary noted what she is most proud of is that her Little has often said her favorite thing to do is to just spend time with her. While there is always fun to be had in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, Mary stressed that the program’s goals are to form strong relationships with the “Littles,” and provide each one with a mentor to go to for advice and guidance. Mary has noticed positive changes in Benedicte from the time they first met. “She has gained more confidence and expresses herself more easily,” says Mary. Benedicte’s father also noted that the Big Brothers Big Sisters program has had a positive effect on Benedicte. Mary said that “Benedicte wants to be in the medical field, so she spends time learning about the field and various career options.” When asked what it is like to have a Big Sister, Benedicte says, “As a refugee, I never thought I would have someone else care about me in this new country other than my parents. My Big Sister Mary always shows me that there are more options and solutions to everything, showing me not to give up. Every day with her we get to explore and learn new things together, making our own adventures.” In addition to having an influence on her Little, Mary has also inspired her friends to explore Big Brothers Big Sisters. “I enjoy the program so much that I always tell others about it,” she said. “Three of my friends have already started the process and another lawyer friend was inspired to serve as a mentor one day a week.” Mary is also a board member for the Young Professionals Group of Big Brothers Big Sisters, a program that encourages young professionals in the Greater Houston area to engage with Big Brothers Big Sisters through professional development activities. The program sponsors social and networking events, coordinates volunteers, and promotes the mission of one-onone mentoring. Mary said something most people do not realize is that, “as a Big, you get so much out of the program. Most people do not realize that there is a lot of personal growth that takes place in you and it is amazing to experience it.” She is certain that she and her Little will remain close even when she ages out of the program next year. Big Sister Mary is also thankful to her firm Sidley Austin, which supports her involvement and understands her commitment to the program. She noted Sidley has sponsored several events for the Young Professionals Group and encourages its employees to get involved in community activities. To find out more about Big Brothers Big Sisters, visit www. bbbstx.org. Angela Dixon is a solo practitioner, a member of The Houston Lawyer Editorial Board and a former editor in chief. 20

September/October 2016

thehoustonlawyer.com

Mentoring through MOILP

From Being Mentored to Serving as a Mentor

H

By Zach Wolfe ouston lawyer Katrisha Shirley knows firsthand the benefits of having good mentors and serving as a mentor. From the time she started law school, to the time she participated in the HBA’s Minority Opportunities in the Legal Profession (MOILP) Program, to recently becoming an associate with the litigation group at Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease, LLP, Katrisha has been fortunate to have many helpful mentors and has embraced the opportunity to give back by serving as a mentor to others. The HBA’s MOILP Program is one of the only summer clerk- Katrisha Shirley at her law firm. ship programs for first-year law students in the nation. Working with the career services offices at all three Houston area law schools, the MOILP Program, established in 1998, has placed 551 law students from diverse backgrounds in summer positions that provide work experience, mentoring, professional guidance and summer income, seeking to “level the playing field” for all law students. Katrisha also learned the benefits of mentoring early on at Houston College of Law, where she was a national moot court champion. As a 1L, Katrisha quickly realized the value of advice from faculty and other students, because “you don’t know what you don’t know.” She got to know 3L Alison Henderson, chair of the Board of Advocates, who helped her navigate law school with advice on courses and professors. Katrisha later worked with Henderson while clerking at Porter Hedges, where Henderson is an associate in the litigation practice group. Katrisha also cites Associate Dean of Advocacy T. Gerald Treece as an important mentor, appreciating the time he would take to attend practice sessions and to listen to arguments. In Katrisha’s experience, a willingness to spend your time helping others is key to effective mentoring. She gained more appreciation for this while working as a summer intern for Judge Debra Ibarra Mayfield. Despite her already busy schedule, Judge Mayfield took the time to meet with Katrisha weekly in chambers to


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