San Luis Obispo High School students can join Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) to get volunteer hours while building beneficial mentoring relationships with younger students. High school students can volunteer at Pacheco, Del Mar, and Nipomo elementary schools through an afterschool program that pairs high school student “Bigs” with elementary school student “Littles.” Interested SLOHS students volunteer at Pacheco Elementary School on Tuesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

  “Students are encouraged to be a Big because peer mentoring provides a consistent, positive role model to at-risk youth. The little time that a Big spends with a Little improves child self-esteem, academic performance, and social and emotional wellness. In return, Bigs develop leadership assets, relationship skills, and make a direct impact in their community,” said BBBS School Based Specialist Alison Denner.

 The program goes on throughout the school year. Half of the time is doing fun activities the program comes up with, like designing board games and making ice cream sundaes. The other portion is free time that can be spent playing games, working on homework, and playing on the playground. It is a great feeling to see the kids’ excited faces when you show up at BBBS. Not only is it a highlight of the Little’s week but also the Big’s.

  “My favorite part was at the end when the relationship was more effortless. [My Little] knew that she didn’t have to filter herself or her feelings around me. If she wasn’t feeling like playing a certain game she didn’t hesitate to say no. She could tell me if she was tired, mad at her friends, and even things like who her favorite YouTubers are,” said senior Maya Nitzel.

  For more information visit their website at http://www.slobigs.org/programs-4/. You can also contact Denner at (805) 801-0377 or [email protected]. BBBS will be at Club Rush at lunch tomorrow for any other questions and to sign up.