big brothers/big sisters of america - what's it like?

I'm on my second match, and it's a been a great experience.

In both matches it took a very long time after my acceptance letter before they had a match for me. There was a lot of stuff like background checks and interviews that I went through after the orientation process. It was a little over a year in both cases.

My advice is to not go into it with any specific expectations or preconceptions. Just be yourself. If you do get matched with a child, the most important thing is building the relationship. In both cases, it was hard to break down the barriers. I'm still working on it with my new match.

The experience is different based the common interests you share with your match. If you can find the things that you both have in common, things will fall in place a lot faster. We go to movies, ball games, play some basketball and mini golf, and hang out at the shopping mall. You know, normal everyday stuff.

Another important aspect is to keep in touch with other members of the family. I try to talk to my brother's mom every now and then. She mentions to me that my little brother talks about all the stuff we do together, and enjoys the time we spend together, even though he doesn't say too much when we're together. That also gives me some insight as to what kind of activities to plan, and also lets me know that I'm actually on the right track.

I usually meet up with my little brother 2 or 3 times a month, and I talk to one of the match specialists at BBBS on a monthly basis to give them an update on our progress.

BBBS offers multiple programs for short-term and long-term matches. The regular program requires at least a one-year commitment. That's the program that I have been in for a while. They also offer school-based programs and other mentoring activities, but I haven't participated in those programs.

Hope this helps! Good luck with your match!

well, i think its cool being a big bro.

might ask my bro 2 do dat !

You actually have anything to do with that?