Making a Difference, One Child at a Time

Did you know that if you devoted just one-hour each week to mentoring a child, that child would be 46 percent less likely to begin using illegal drugs, 27 percent less likely to begin using alcohol and 52 percent less likely to skip school?

The number of children who are positively influenced by role models has increased because of the recent Big Brothers Big Sisters Information Session held in McIntyre Lounge at Saint Peter’s University. Approximately 100 faculty, administrators, staff and students signed up to participate in the program, making Saint Peter’s the largest higher education partner for BBBS in New Jersey.

"Our partnership with Saint Peter’s has grown well beyond our dreams and has only become real because of people stepping up to make our goals real,” said Carlos Lejnieks, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson and Union Counties. “From the President of Saint Peter’s University Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., to faculty and staff, to the amazing student body, we feel we have a sincere mission alignment with the University, which allows us to drive impact for our children in Jersey City."

Erich Sekel, associate director of Campus Ministry for community service, coordinates information sessions, books rooms for interviews and publicizes events for BBBS on campus. He was pleased by the turnout for the Information Session, saying, “Many students had strong experiences of support in their own lives and thus want to provide the same to those who may not have that same support. For grammar school or middle school aged children, what better role models than college students? Their experience in college, as well as their own journey through life to that point, give them an ideal chance to connect with and support their Littles.” Littles is a term used by BBBS for children enrolled in the program, and a Big is a mentor.

Sekel himself was a Big to a four-year-old he met through the York Street Project in Jersey City. He mentored the Little for one-year through BBBS, yet continued on his own for the next 13 years. “To me, it was so important growing up to have people in my life to support and guide me. I recognize not everyone had the same support I did, so it’s up to us as a people to support one another.”

Soon to be adding to that support is Saint Peter’s University student Katherine Mayorga ’15. While Mayorga will officially begin mentoring her Little on Tuesday, she has already met and bonded with the 12-year-old girl.

 “I became a Big because I want to have an impact on a younger person’s life,” said Mayorga. “Growing up, there were people who positively influenced my life and made sure I didn’t turn to the streets or walk the wrong path. So now, I can pay that forward and do the same for a child.”

She added, “Also, I’m a psychology major, so this is a good opportunity for me to gain experience in my field by working with people and making a difference in their lives.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help children reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships with mentors that try to have a measurable impact on youth. Big Brothers Big Sisters is one of the oldest and largest youth mentoring organizations in the United States and provides mentors to children of all ages in communities across the country.

Four years ago, Saint Peter’s University partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters to support young people in the local community through the organization’s innovative and nationally recognized mentoring program.

Those on campus interested in participating in the BBBS program can contact Erich Sekel at esekel@saintpeters.edu. For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters, visit their website at www.bbbs.org.

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