Back in 2001, Big Sister Mary was looking for a way to give back and do something outside of her own life to help others. Upon meeting Little Sister Patricia through the Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC School-based Mentoring Program in Chinatown, Mary knew that they were a perfect match. After a year, they met with their social worker and felt the relationship would flourish under BBBS of NYC's Community-based Mentoring Program. Mary and Patricia were right.

Patricia was only 11 when they first met and now, ten years later, their relationship remains strong. Patricia's parents often worked long hours and did not speak English, so when not in school Patricia was assisting at home. By spending time with Mary, the pair was able to enjoy themselves outside of the demands of work and school. They still enjoy exploring the city, going to plays, movies and dinner. Now that Patricia is a young adult, her maturity is reflected in their conversations about college and greater responsibilities.

Understanding the difficulties that Patricia faced at home and at school, her Big Sister became dedicated to helping Patricia find success in all opportunities. When she noticed her Little Sister was having difficulties in one of the largest high schools in NYC, Mary helped her transfer to a smaller school that would provide greater resources and more teacher involvement. Patricia is now receiving her Associate Degree from CUNY Kingsborough and exploring her options for pursuing another degree.

Mary is happy that the two have stayed so close over the years and was even able to share her own life with her Little Sister when she got married recently. Patricia attended the wedding, of course, but she also went to the cake-tasting to help Mary pick the perfect cake prior to the big day.

Mary follows the agency on BBBS of NYC's Facebook page. If you'd like to share your alumni story with us or become involved in our Alumni Network, please contact alumni@bigsnyc.org.

Big Brother Russ was matched with his Little Brother Russell 4 years ago through the Workplace Mentoring Program at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Besides having the same name, the two found similar interests in sports. The pair met when LB Russell was a sophomore in high school and now 4 years later, as a sophomore in college, they still remain in contact through weekly email updates about grades and a spring break trip to New Orleans. BB Russ has definitely seen his LB mature over the years; conversations that began about basketball, now involve academics, financial aid, applications, and internships. Last summer, the two met for lunch while Russell was interning at a Manhattan law firm. BB Russ remembers the experience as almost surreal, as if scheduling to meet a colleague for lunch, his LB showed up professional and confident.

Big Brother Russ was always interested in becoming involved with BBBS of NYC and signed on in 2006 after hearing a coworker promote the agency and its mission at a training session for work. While he knew he would enjoy the program, Russ never expected to be at Little Brother Russell's high school graduation 3 years later.

Russ had such a positive experience with Russell that he decided to be matched again with another Little Brother. He's now in his 2nd year with his second Little Brother, 13-year-old Brian. Initially shy and introverted, Brian has already shown great progress becoming more comfortable in social interactions with his peers. Brian is always one of the first to volunteer in program and shares his interests in soccer and squash with Russ every time they meet. Recently, Brian got his first i-pod touch and can now communicate with Russ more regularly via his wifi email access.

In addition to developing his relationship with Brian, Russ participates in the agency's Alumni Speakers Bureau. The Alumni Speakers Bureau invites longstanding mentors and former mentors to attend volunteer orientations and trainings to share their experience with new and potential Bigs. Russ describes the Speakers Bureau as a joyful experience, spreading the word and sharing knowledge. "It is so incredibly rewarding," Russ said, as he was asked to give advice to someone considering joining BBBS of NYC. "I always feel great after seeing or talking to my Littles."

If you're interested in sharing your match story or joining the Alumni Speakers Bureau, please contact Robin Sanchez at 646-274-6058.