By VICTORIA CATTELONA, MEAGAN PASSERO, & JULIA VLADY
Staff Writers
In the beginning of a new school year, many students look for ways to involve themselves in both extracurricular activities and community service opportunities.
Some students have done this by applying to Big Brothers Big Sisters, a program where high school students, called the “Bigs,” are responsible for mentoring a “Little” of the Hope Academy Charter School in Asbury Park.
There are many reasons why students have signed up for the program, but the most common motive is the aspiration to assist others toward a better life.
“I really like helping out,” said freshman Alana Barofsky. “I’ve done community service with young kids before.”
According to guidance counselor Sandra Gidos, The Big Brothers Big Sisters program is about older kids pairing with younger kids to teach them “lessons and ways of the world.”
“The older kids are role models,” said Gidos. “The younger students gain insight and the older gives back to the community. It’s give-and-take.”
Operating in approximately 370 communities across the United States, according to the official website, the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters is “to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.”
Junior Erin Dillon offered a detailed explanation of the application process as a hopeful Big.
“The organization requires each high school student seeking to become a mentor to be carefully evaluated,” she said. “The process includes an application, three references, a criminal background check, a Social Security check, and an interview.”
Interviews were conducted here in the guidance offices, and those who were approved attended an information session on Oct. 17.
Students will meet with their Little every Tuesday after school for the duration of the year.
According to the Big Brothers Big Sisters webpage, “83 percent of former Littles surveyed agree that their Big instilled values and principles that have guided them through life.”
“It’s a really great program, and it’s a lot of fun,” said Caitlyn Winkler, who works with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. “You get a chance to make a difference in someone’s life.”
Barofsky added, “I want them to learn that they can follow their dreams and overcome problems.”
Gidos explained that she is expecting positive results from CHS involvement in the program.
“The children get to see another side of life and aspire to be like the older students,” said Gidos. “It used to be with another school, but they weren’t able to do it this year, so they decided to look for a school with commitment,” said Gidos. “CHS fits the mold.”