Big Brothers and Sisters Come to Fairfield
Posted by Jay Polansky at 7:55 am 575 Comments Print
Contributed Photo
Rob Vogel ’13 never had a big brother. But he wished he did.
“I didn’t have that big brother to show me the ropes in certain things,” Vogel said, who is the oldest brother in his family. “I feel like that’s [maybe] a sentiment a lot of people have who don’t have big brothers: it’s like certain things could have been much easier to learn if I had a big brother teaching me.”
Now Vogel, the FUSA vice president, has started a new program that will give others the big brother he always wanted.
Fairfield BIGS, a new club at Fairfield University, is looking for students to become mentors to local underprivileged students whose parents might not be able to spend a lot of time with them.
The program, which is run in collaboration with Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Southwestern Connecticut, will pair Fairfield University students-bigs-with a student between around 8 to 13 years old to mentor. Children from Fairfield, Stratford and Bridgeport will participate in the program.
The bigs will help students do simple things like bake, “things Fairfield U students had and maybe take for granted a little as part of their childhood,” Vogel said.
And that’s the kind of thing that really helps students, according to Tori Rovegno ‘12.
Rovegno, who helped form the club with Vogel and three of his house-mates, did one-on-one tutoring with students in Bridgeport. She said that she didn’t just help students with homework.
“I got to make a difference just by being a friend, [giving them] someone to talk to,” Rovegno said.
Vogel said that student mentors can also make an impact by introducing their students to the possibility of seeking higher education.
“A lot of these children don’t have a picture of college,” Vogel said. “The bigs will have a huge opportunity to really paint a picture of college and really inspire and motivate these children to be going to college someday.”
Vogel is currently looking for students to make a long-term commitment to the organization.
“We’re not going to spoil them for a week and be gone,” he said.
So far Vogel and Rovegno have seen a lot of interest in the group. Approximately 40 students showed up to their first informational meeting even though the group didn’t have much time to advertise.
“It was a huge turnout, for all things considered,” Rovegno said.
Vogel said that students interested in the program should attend a BIGS meeting. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Connecticut will then interview them to match them up with a student to mentor.
If the experience of mentoring a student seems daunting, Rovegno said that even simple friendship can mean a lot to the kids.
“I’ve worked with kids in Bridgeport. Before you go into it, it’s a little overwhelming like…’what am I going to do that has such a profound impact on this kid’s life,’ but through the process you kind of realize that just by being their friend… that can have a difference,” said Rovegno.
Starting tomorrow people will be able to pick up an application and sign up for an interest interview time slot in BCC212. Interview times are currently available for Tuesday the 15th from 6-8 p.m. If you can’t make one of the times, please e-mail Rob Vogel. Fairfield BIGS is affiliated with the Build-a-House program and will be involved with the Community Service Alliance (CSA) as well.
Comments
Related Posts
-
The battle continues: Faculty rally, Von Arx under fire
~ Featured Content, News
9 May , at 11:20 AM
-
Lack of communication with commuters
~ News
2 May , at 11:43 AM
-
Fairfield University goes green
~ News
2 May , at 11:41 AM
-
Fairfield’s restaurants’ ratings revealed
~ News
2 May , at 11:40 AM
-
Faculty battles broken promises
~ News
2 May , at 11:34 AM
3 cent coin, 3 months ago
Cool post. Keep it comin’.
android market, 3 months ago
Big Brothers and Sisters Come to Fairfield I was suggested this web site by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my difficulty. You are incredible! Thanks! your article about Big Brothers and Sisters Come to Fairfield Best Regards Schaad Justin
android market, 3 months ago
Big Brothers and Sisters Come to Fairfield I was recommended this website by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my difficulty. You’re wonderful! Thanks! your article about Big Brothers and Sisters Come to Fairfield Best Regards Agata Andy
liberty reserve, 3 months ago
I got what you destine, thanks for swing up. Woh I am glad to uncovering this website finished google. Thanks For Share Big Brothers and Sisters Come to Fairfield.
texas home mortgage rates, 3 months ago
Keep functioning ,splendid job!
naked babes, 3 months ago
Magnificent beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your site, how could i subscribe for a blog site? The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear concept
courier services, 3 months ago
Extremely nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to say that I’ve truly enjoyed surfing about your weblog posts. Right after all I will probably be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write once more quite soon!
JOSHUA, 3 months ago
Do you might have a spam problem on this website; I also am a blogger, and I was asking yourself your scenario; we now have created some good strategies and were searching to exchange options with other individuals, be certain to shoot me an e-mail if interested.
esophageal spasm, 3 months ago
||Anti-Spam Club Message|| Together we can eliminate spam by being pro-active. Accept this comment and spread the word by posting it on a friends website
porno eindhoven, 3 months ago
Though I have many different kinds of sexy lingerie now, I still can not forget my first sexy lingerie which I bought in three years ago.
modular home floor plans, 3 months ago
I don’t suppose I’ve read anything like this before. So nice to find somebody with some original thoughts on this subject. realy thank you for starting this up. this website is something that is needed on the web, someone with a little originality. useful job for bringing something new to the internet!
web design Philadelphia, 3 months ago
What i don’t realize is in fact how you’re no longer actually a lot more well-appreciated than you might be now. You’re so intelligent. You already know therefore considerably relating to this topic, produced me for my part consider it from a lot of numerous angles. Its like women and men are not involved unless it is one thing to accomplish with Woman gaga! Your personal stuffs outstanding. All the time handle it up!
referencement site web, 3 months ago
I was just seeking this info for a while. After 6 hours of continuous Googleing, finally I got it in your web site. I wonder what’s the Google’s problem that doesn’t rank this type of informative websites closer to the top. Generally the top sites are full of garbage.
Victor Yorkey, 3 months ago
Considerably, the report is in reality the sweetest on this notable topic. Once designing your ritual wedding dress, you have several options.
Amazon Money Machine, 4 weeks ago
amazon money machine…
[...]that could be the end of this post. Here you will obtain some sites that we think you’ll appreciate, just click the hyperlinks over[...]…