RIT ‘bigs’ mentor area youngsters

Devin Snow shares a laugh with “little brother” Michael as they try their hand at the ESPN Interactive Experience in the RITz Sports Zone. A. Sue Weisler | photographer

Through the eyes of an 11-year-old, a college visit can be an awe-inspiring experience. Take Michael’s first impression of RIT.

“It’s nice and big,” he says with a smile. “You can buy just about anything.”

And while the candy counter and the Ben and Jerry’s stand in the Student Alumni Union look appealing, they are hardly the reasons why this sixth grader can barely contain his excitement. Michael didn’t arrive on campus expecting to satisfy his sweet tooth. Instead, he’s in the market for something far more gratifying—someone to serve as his mentor and friend.

Enter Devin Snow. The second-year electrical engineering major from Rochester is among five pioneering RIT students initiating a program sponsored by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Rochester. The effort—matching “little brothers and sisters” with RIT student mentors—is intended to provide each pair with the opportunity for one-on-one interaction during twice monthly gatherings on campus.

Snow is introduced as Michael’s new big brother. An immediate embrace foreshadows the personal chemistry that the two quickly discover.

“He’s a little (version of) me,” explains Snow. “He’s very outspoken with a lot of energy. I can tell we’re going to work very well together.”

“He’s cool,” confirms Michael. “He likes to talk, and he’s nice to talk to.”

This new campus-based Big Brothers Big Sisters program was developed in collaboration with Phyllis Walker, director of RIT’s Community Service Office, and Helen Gormont, BBBS coordinator of volunteers. Gormont’s participation at previous RIT volunteer fairs frequently sparked interest from students wanting to lend their time and support to the agency.

“She’d get a significant number of students who wanted to help,” recalls Walker, “but the lack of transportation and the challenges of scheduling activities around the quarter system didn’t meet the needs of our students.”

So Walker and Gormont considered the potential of bringing “littles,” ranging in age from 10 to 16, to campus as a way to establish relationships with RIT student mentors. These “bigs” would be in a position to expose youngsters to the benefits of college life, and parents and guardians could take comfort in knowing their children were enjoying activities in a safe environment.

Children who participate in BBBS consistently exhibit behaviors highlighting the favorable impact of professionally supported mentoring. According to the agency, 96 percent of littles do well in school, 97 percent avoid drug and alcohol use and 97 percent avoid behavior that results in early parenting.

Tapping into RIT’s large student body offers tremendous potential for BBBS to enhance its impact. Many local children who are accepted into the program may wait an extended period before an appropriate match is found.

“Bringing a program like this to a close-knit community like RIT provides the opportunity to create a positive buzz,” says Jeff Newland, BBBS executive director. “When people hear how easy, fun and rewarding being an RIT ‘big’ is, they want to learn more, and they get involved. As a result, we grow to reach more children even faster.”

Since the pairs were introduced on Feb. 1, they’ve enjoyed their first set of activities, including dinner in the RITz Sports Zone and a scavenger hunt. Not all future sessions will include scheduled programs. Bigs and littles are free to take advantage of the university’s wide range of resources to choose their own activities.

Coordinators are in the process of signing on more RIT student volunteers to become bigs, planning to have up to 20 campus-based matches by fall. BBBS hopes RIT’s success will serve as a model for similar programs at the other Rochester-area colleges and universities.

“I know that it’s very important,” reflects big brother Snow, “particularly in Rochester. A lot of kids need role models in their lives.”

For Michael, his focus is on sharing the joy of playing basketball, football, ice skating, swimming and “hanging out in the jacuzzi” with a new friend, adding, “It’s just great getting to hang out with your big brother."