My name is Carrie Ramage and I am a graduating senior in Sociology-Criminology with a minor in Psychology and a Certificate in Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies.
I am interning this semester with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Athens (BBBS).
Mentoring Children
I help out in the office before I go to the afterschool program at West Elementary. While in the office I help with things like putting together mailers that go to Athens businesses requesting donations for fundraisers like Bowl for a Kids Sake, a bowling tournament to raise money for the program. I also helped to put together Match files for new matches of Big and Little relationships you typically imagine when you think of BBBS. At the afterschool program I usually assist two to three other volunteers with mentoring a group of around thirty students. The program allows kids to have a few extra hours to play and finish homework before going home. We try to have a fun activity everyday as an option, whether it is a outside game or a fun craft indoors.
Throughout this experience with BBBS I am focusing my research on the importance of programs like these to mentor kids and how in turn this leads to less alcohol and substance abuse later in life, a research interest that developed during my internship with the Common Pleas Court last summer.
Worth Doing!
I really love this experience with BBBS!
I’ve always wanted to work with children and this experience just increases that desire. This group of kids are so much fun.
Since day one they have displayed skills and smarts. While my expectation was to help them learn and grow for the future, they are helping me grow.
I strongly suggest that anyone who is interested in working with children consider becoming a mentor or sign up to do Bobcat Buddies through Big Brother Big Sister.
This is an experience I expect to remember.
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