James Krents: What it Means to Be a "Big"
I was matched up with my little, Terel, in late December of 2002, and the last three years have been phenomenal. I was initially a bit concerned at what seemed to be a large time commitment, but these fears were quickly put to rest when I discovered what an enjoyable and positive experience being a Big can be. Big Brothers did a great job of matching me up with a child who shared some of my interests and one who was willing to be open-minded about the world in which he lives. In the years we've been working together, Terel has gone from being an "at-risk" student in a special education program to a student in good standing at a competitive private high school. While I certainly don't take credit for this fantastic evolution and maturation, it's been a true joy to be along for the ride and to get to see him excel. Being a BIG has been great for me. It gives me a sense of purpose outside of my personal and professional lives and allows me to feel like I'm giving something back to my city, my borough and my community.