High school students make big impacts in little lives

Photo by Dan Armstrong
Jamie Orozco smiles through the thank-you balloons and other gifts from the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program.

By DAN ARMSTRONG
For the Hood River News
February 3, 2007

“Is that really for me?!” asks Jamie Orozco, pointing to a balloon, candy bar, and card, as he has a surprised look on his face.

The assorted items are meant to be a surprise to remind the high school volunteers with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Columbia Gorge that they are making a difference in the life of another.

Twenty-three students at the high school received one of these encouragements on Jan. 30. When one volunteer, Jamie, was asked if he would mind having his picture in the newspaper he said, “No. My parents would be so proud.”

Our county should be proud of all these excellent students. Big Brothers Big Sisters has a school-based mentoring program which takes place at May Street Elementary, Westside Elementary and Mid-Valley Elementary, every week while school is in session.

High school students (known as “Bigs”) volunteer one hour each week to meet with their elementary-age matches (known as “Littles”). Together, the matches may play a board game, work on a craft, talk, work on a homework project, or sometimes even play a classic game of dodge ball. Although the program is fun, it is important to remember that volunteering is quite a commitment for already busy students.

That’s why we gave these little surprise pick-me-ups. The volunteers really don’t know how much of an incredible impact they are making. Each week I hear from the elementary students about how they either miss their “big” because they couldn’t be there that week, or I will hear them scream with excitement as they see their match arrive.

Many of the high school students find something unique for themselves in the program as well, as Jamie states, “My favorite thing about this program is that I now have a Little Brother; I never had that before.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters is grateful to our community, volunteers, and participating families. If you would like to find out how you can support Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Columbia Gorge please contact Jenny Halsch at (541) 308-2231.

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Dan Armstrong is the school-based coordinator for Big Brothers/Big Sisters.