Story by Chelsey Drummond

Stacie Christiano explains how NMSU students can become Big Brothers and Big Sisters.(Photo by Chelsey Drummond)

“Little Moments, Big Magic” is exactly what the Big Brother Big Sisters program is all about.  Stacie Christiano, chief executive officer of the Southwestern New Mexico branch, knows all too well how accurate the slogan can be.

“We’re in the business of providing one-on-one mentoring for any child who wants a positive impact in their life,” Christiano said. “We live for the magical moment when the matched little brother or sister is introduced to their mentor. The look on their faces makes the whole experience worthwhile.”

BBBS, as a nationwide program, encourages youth mentoring and attempts to create influential bonds between adults and children. 

Christiano said she believes that of the potential volunteers in Dona Ana County, New Mexico State University students could especially benefit from joining the mentoring service.

Program is mutually benficial

A big and little brother bond over arts and crafts. (Photo courtesy of BBBS Southwestern New Mexico)

“University students are some of our most successful matches because of the smaller age gap between Bigs and Littles,” Christiano said.

“The little brother or sister develops a deep connection with the student, increasing their academic goals at an early age,” she said. “They essentially want to follow in their Big’s footsteps, to shadow their lifestyle.”

How do students get involved?

A rather extensive application and background check is required of all potential big brothers or sisters. After filing an application, an in-depth personality/activity match and personal interview complete the process. Christiano stresses that becoming a Big is very easy and entails only three basic criteria.

“We only require that you give us time, talent, and treasure,” she pointed out.

BBBS offers many different programs to fit any potential volunteer’s schedule, the director said.  There are two different forms of matches:

• A school-based match requires only one hour per week of one-on-one time at the child’s school.

• The community-based match requires four to six hours a month and is virtually limitless as far as activities are concerned. 

Matches are encouraged to experience fun, interesting and new things for both members. Activities can range from coloring and fishing to sports and movies. The most important aspect is to bond and spend quality time with one another.

More than just fun and games

The program is not solely for fun and games, however; a significant part of the match must be designated to schoolwork or educational improvement.

“We work really hard to create an academic feel for our kids. We try to promote reading and writing as well as verbal and social skills. The Big becomes an all-in-one: friend, counselor, and teacher,” explained Christiano.

Of all the volunteers at BBBS of Southwestern New Mexico, around 30 percent are NMSU students. The program has proven that by pairing a child with someone experiencing higher education or promoting academic success, the more likely the child is to graduate high school or college.

Whether a school-based match or community-based match, both the Big and Little benefit from the experience. “The majority of the benefit falls on the Little, but success is a two-way street. If the match is successful, then the Big also learns and grows,” said Christiano.

Opportunities to help

(Photo by Chelsey Drummond)

If NMSU students are not able to volunteer as a big brother or sister, then there are other opportunities to help. BBBS holds several fundraising events throughout the year and is always looking for people willing to help. Bowl for Kids Sake, held on April 11 of this year, is one of the most profitable events for the program.

 “Any spare time that can be given is for a great cause. We want NMSU and the community to help ensure a brighter future for the youth of Dona Ana County,” Christiano said.

For more information, contact Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern New Mexico at 523.9530 or visit the Web site.