"The students in the Big Buddy Program look forward to the weekly interactions that take place with their Big Brother or Big Sister. The interactions seem to have a positive effect on the outlook and  appreciation of the younger student who values the opportunity to have one-on-one time with an admired older peer.  The Big Brothers and Big  Sisters also seem to enjoy the chance to make a positive difference in the life of a younger student who needs a little extra special attention. "
- Dr. Bresser (Teacher)

​

A year ago I joined Big Brothers Big Sisters with the hope of being a role model for a little girl. I grew up with A LOT of inspirational woman in my life, and I just wanted to be able to give back to a child the way I was given so many female role models growing up. I THOUGHT I would be matched with a sassy teenager who needed a little guidance, because that's what I asked for. Instead, my amazing match specialist, Jillian Benelli, matched me with a little girl who I never would have thought of as a Little. I met Penna a year ago. She was quiet and shy, but from the moment I met her she reminded me SO MUCH of myself when I was her age. I knew instantly that my match specialist got it right with this match, and apparently knew me better then I knew myself.
The year was filled with hikes and picnics and painting and LOTS of slime making. I knew I wanted to do something special for our 1 year 'matchiversary', so I got us a cake and we did a little photo shoot. More photo's are coming soon, don't you guys worry. We really had a blast with this 😁
Joining BBBS has been the highlight of the past year for me. I love doing something that's more then 'just living'. Being a Big has taught me a new kind of responsibility, a new way of being a mentor, and has brought SO MUCH FUN into my life.
I love being a Big Sister!                  -Big Sister-Kait

As a Big Sister, my role is to pave the development path of my “Little Sis” with education and fun. She’s eight. We have been paired for 3-½ months. When our outings end well, the reward is seeing her delight. When our outings end with behavior issues, the reward is a discussion about boundaries. Either way, we learn about each other through communication about expectations.
Mentoring is caring about the intellectual and emotional growth of a child. I consider doing it well akin to a well-tended fire that rewards you with glowing warmth in sub-zero temperature.
- Big Sister, Chris

---

​"I became a Big Sister last year in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Twin Tiers - Serving Tioga County, PA program because I wanted to give back to a child the way I was given multiple female role models growing up. I had a devoted and free-spirited mother, an abundance of very individual and strong older sisters, and another mother like figure who showed me how to be an independent woman. I just wanted to give my time to a child who needed it. But what I didn't expect was what I would receive from this program. I thought I would be giving, but I find myself receiving a lot. My Little has brought me so many laughs, the reminder to not take life so seriously and to stop and just have fun, and so much childhood wonder has entered back into my life. And from this program I have also learned and started cultivating my love of giving back to the world. My Little and I spend our time together going for hikes, crafting, petting local animal shelter kittens and pups, and eating a lot while laughing a lot. So when I'm not taking pictures, editing, running a business, or with my husband and pup, I'm with this awesome kid having a blast" -Big Sister Kaitlin