Cathy G. (left) and November
At VSP, we encourage our employees to make a difference in our communities. Cathy G. shares her personal experience volunteering as a Big Sister to November.
What encouraged you to get involved in the Big Sister’s Program?
There were a few reasons. First, I had worked at the Sacramento Food Bank for a few years and wanted to broaden my volunteer experience. Second, at the time I was working at Eyefinity (another VSP Global company) and a co-worker mentioned her Big Brothers and Big Sisters (BBBS) experience and thought it might be a good fit for me.
Lastly, since I didn’t have siblings or children of my own I thought it would be a great way to get a glimpse into what that might have looked like. As it turns out, it’s been an amazing almost 9-year ride with my Little Sister November.
What has been the most meaningful experience with your Little Sister November?
How much time ya got? Each encounter with November is meaningful. It probably sounds corny, but it’s true. If I had to single out one it would have to be when she nominated me for Big Sis of 2011. She had to submit an essay about our match and what its meant to her through the years.
There was a BBBS fundraiser event, for which VSP was a sponsor, and the Big Sis and Big Bro nominees were invited to enjoy a disco party with dinner and silent auction in order to raise money for the organization so that kids can continue to be matched with mentors. November, her mom, and I headed out to the Radisson where the winners were to be announced. I had no clue that November and her mom already knew I won. In fact, I was joking around with November about “who I had to Tanya Harding” to get the award! I was trying to ease her nervousness by joking around not realizing that I was the only one in the dark about it all.
When the announcement was made we both went up on stage and she read the essay to the crowd. She’s such a good writer; I was so touched and humbled by her words. I sobbed like a baby thrilled that I made a bit of an impact in her life. I know she’s made an impact on mine, and I’ll cherish it forever.
How do you feel about her graduating out of the program?
I’m excited for her to turn 18 and move on to a new chapter of her life. As far as our match goes, it may have officially ended with BBBS but our relationship remains intact. Our time may not be as scheduled but the plan is to continue to see each other when possible and chat as we do today in between our visits.
What do you hope that your little sister has learned from your relationship?
My hope is she’s learned to keep an open mind and that people are mostly good. She’s strong enough to do the right thing, one good turn deserves another, and she’ll always have me to lean on.
Why should people get involved and become a Big sister or Big brother?
If there’s anyone out there that is remotely interested in becoming a “Big,” my hope is that our story will encourage them to take the next step. It’s been an amazing way to give back, you learn so much about yourself and get to guide someone through their life using your past and present experiences. Here’s the best way I can put it. This past summer, November asked me if I planned to get another “Little Sister.” My reply was, “No way, why would I want to mess with perfection?”
Grab some tissues and read November’s complete essay here.
Want to make a difference in a child’s life? Volunteer today! Check out Big Brothers Big Sisters.
her from a vibrant senior citizen, to one that had difficulty standing up and walking. Through all this time, her heart remained strong and she fought to overcome the disabilities. My wife and I faithfully gave her insulin shots twice a day and after a while she just couldn’t fight anymore. We had to make the difficult decision to say goodbye, to our Mattie.
