Eight Dickinson Law students recited an oath not traditionally heard in law school: they promised to be positive role models and give the gift of time and friendship to their new “littles” as part of a matching ceremony with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region.
Second-year law student Francesca Kester introduced Big Brothers Big Sisters to her fellow classmates after meeting Amy Rote, vice president of programs, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region, last fall. More than 30 students attended the initial interest meeting, and eight students completed the process to become a Big Brother or Big Sister.
“I was overwhelmed by the enthusiasm that I saw in the students from the very beginning,” said Rote.
Kester said that the fact that they are so willing to give back to our community while carrying the load of a full-time law student truly speaks to their character.
“They’ve committed to meeting their ‘littles’ at least twice a month, and some have committed to meeting once a week! It's really wonderful.”
First-year law student Chris Harris’ decision to become a big brother was easy: he grew up in a family that provided foster care. “Growing up in this setting really helped me to see what other kids had to endure and made me want to positively shape their lives,” noted Harris.
Chris is a Big Brother to 9-year-old Sawyer, who lives in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
“My goal for Sawyer is to help him see the world a little differently, grow to be comfortable with the world and society, and also see that anyone can make a lasting impact regardless of who they are,” said Harris.
Chris has already made a difference in Sawyer’s life, according to Mary, Sawyer’s mom.
“Sawyer has a lot of behavioral therapists and adults in his life who are constantly telling him what to do and how to behave,” said Mary. “Chris has taken the time to ask Sawyer what he wants to do or what he wants to talk about. He’s rewarded for simply being ‘Sawyer’ and I think that’s fantastic.”
Barrie Ann George, director of partnerships and corporate engagement, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region, believes that this commitment gives the students a break from their studies and allows them to be a kid again—even if just for a short time.
“Someone once told me that everyone has 24 hours in a day,” noted George. “How you choose to spend that time makes all the difference.”