Dave Stell has been a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters Niagara for two and a half years, but his time with the organization spans 15 years.
His career started as a journalist in Smithville and he was first introduced to Big Brothers Big Sisters after he did a story on their mentor program. His inspiration came from that story and it made him want to join and become a mentor himself.
Commitment plays a big role in becoming a mentor. Dave says he learned very quickly that the fact that your are there in the first place plays a major role in making a difference in the lives of a younger person.
The Big Brothers Big Sisters program ends in grade 8. Dave says if you’re lucky, you find a way to continue that relationship. For one person he worked with, the experience inspired him to pursue Big Brothers Big Sisters.
For someone thinking of getting involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Dave says some people are nervous at first and worried about becoming a role model, but one shouldn’t go into it thinking they have to be one necessarily. It should be looked at as an opportunity to just go out and have some fun.
The Big Brothers Big Sisters program gives kids the opportunity to meet new people and build relationships. It gives them someone else to trust other than their parents, making a real difference in their attitudes.
It gives them a sense of hope when they think everyone has given up on them. It really can make the difference in the life of a child.
You can find the full interview with Dave below.
(Written by: Brandon Warby)
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