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Helping build the confidence of one young man to achieve his full
potential
 Ordinary,
yet
a hero to a child
When you were growing up, can you think of one person who impacted
your life in such a way that you will forever be grateful? Now imagine
not having that person to influence or guide you on the right path. For
Edward, the one person who is having a huge impact on his life is his
‘Big’ brother.
Edward and his Big, Byron, have been a part of the Big Brothers Big
Sisters program for the past four years. This program, funded by United
Way of the Plains, helps match children 6-18 years of age with mentors
to help them achieve their full potential.
Volunteers mentor children by helping with schoolwork, playing games
or just listening to what’s going on in their lives.
Struggling to be a kid
Throughout his childhood, Edward’s life has been hard. He has grown
up with a foster mother and has lacked a male role model to lead the
way. He has gone through a tough custody battle with his biological
mother and has dealt with more than a sixth-grader should. Spending time
with Byron helps to keep his mind in the right direction. Byron stepped
in and filled the void of a male role model in Edward’s life by
encouraging him in the right direction.
“He’s at that pivotal age right now. I’m just trying to lay a good
foundation with school and keep him engaged,” Byron said.
Before Byron, Edward’s interest in school lacked enthusiasm and
motivation. Now, when asked about school, he says, “I think school is
important. My favorite subject is science. (I learn) interesting stuff —
stuff that you’ve never heard before.”
Wanting a tutor but receiving much more
Edward joined the program to get help with schoolwork but received
more than a tutor.
“He taught me how to add and showed me how to shoot a jump shot,”
said Edward.
The past four years have been filled with competitive basketball
games, intense chess matches, monthly school visits and numerous other
activities.
“Sometimes he comes to my class. I like when he comes to school. All
the other kids ask ‘who is that’ and I say he’s my big brother. He is a
cool brother. I’d like to have him for a long time and have a lot of
fun,” said Edward.
Article by Lacey Cruse
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