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Agency profile: Big Brothers Big Sisters can make big difference
Special to the Tortoise
In our own lives, each of us was touched by someone – other than our parents – who introduced us to new worlds and brought a little magic into our lives. These were just regular people who took an interest and spent time with you because they liked you; and it made them feel good. That is exactly what being a Big Brother or Big Sister does, and you can do the same for a child.
Mujahid Sultan came to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Big Bend as a Big Brother applicant. He went through the orientation and enrollment process and is now matched with his little brother, Tahzhe. “Humor is a great way to break the ice. Ask questions,” he says. “Share knowledge. Consistency is another key. The more time you spend with your little, the tighter your bond will be. Kids, maybe more than anyone else, do not like to be let down.”
So, what does Tahzhe think about all of this? He writes, “My experience of being a Little Brother has been very fun because Mujahid is very fun and very smart. He can teach me lots of stuff and I can teach him some things.”
According to Mujahid, he was attracted to Big Brothers Big Sisters because of the one-to-one mentoring. “It’s more personal. It gives you a chance to really get to know a child.” He added that the staff has been helpful and supportive by being available to answer questions as well as providing tickets to events such as Florida State University football games and Cirque du Soleil.
Working full time as well as being a student at FAMU, has not kept Mujahid from taking the time to be a mentor. “When mentoring, it is always best to just be yourself. You are building a friendship. I think ‘mentor’ is too strong of a word. It makes people think they have this huge burden, but all you are really doing is hanging out with someone. The guidance and support will come naturally.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Big Bend has a proven record of success for participants in their mentoring programs and Mujahid has no doubt that Tahzhe will be another success story. “Right now, I hope he does better in school and has the opportunity to experience more things. I look forward to Tahzhe becoming a productive member of society, and having been a part of that, I think what I am doing is worthwhile.”
For more information on Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Big Bend, located at 565 E. Tennessee St., Tallahassee, contact Kimberly Damron by calling 386-6002.
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