
Mentoring Moment is a monthly blog post by Ryan Scott, Big Brothers Big Sisters Executive Director...
Seriously. I hate to do this, but I’m going to start this month’s blog with a cliche. I’m not typically a cliche type of guy, but sometimes you just do what you gotta do. Right?! Throughout my 42 years, one of the most widely repeated cliches I’ve heard is “Time flies when you’re having fun”. I remember one of my soccer coaches screaming this while we ran in the sweltering Southern Indiana humidity one summer. That was sarcasm, but on the flip-side, I have an enormously hard time believing that my 2nd month anniversary is already here. Through the past 60 days, I’ve had the blessing of sitting alongside one of the best non-profits around! I’ve been busy having conversations both inside and outside the agency, learning from our team, and continuing the powerful work of promoting and supporting one to one mentoring within five counties in Southern Indiana and one in Kentucky. Our squad has begun settling in and turning our attention to big things.
This summer I’ve had the privilege of meeting a myriad of people within our footprint. From corporate leaders to average joes on the street, I’ve been impressed with the ability of folks to resonate with the story behind Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Indiana. A mission statement is easy to spout off but oftentimes the mission statement hides the humanity of the organization. Creating and supporting one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
Sounds great, but what does it really mean? What does it look like?
To the single mother working a full-time job outside and inside the home, BBBS looks like her child receiving life lessons and companionship at times when her exhaustion leaves her emotionally and physically drained!
To the couple whose child needs more positive attention and mentorship than they can sometimes provide because of the business of life, BBBS looks like their child having one more positive adult in his/her life. The more positive connections, the greater the ability to overcome life’s struggles!
To the teacher that understands that his/her struggling students are doing the best they can with the skills they have, but doesn’t have the time needed to support the social/emotional needs of the student, BBBS looks like a Big coming to visit during lunch each week. Having someone consistently show up means they care. Believe me, it takes LITTLE to be Big!
To the boy yearning to learn the lessons of becoming a man, BBBS looks like a Big showing him how to tie a tie, how to change the oil on his mom’s car, how to open the door for others, or even how to shave!
To the parents whose child suddenly thinks they’re vastly uncool and know absolutely nothing about real life, BBBS means having another supportive adult their child can turn to with questions about life, and an adult friend to give age-appropriate advice.
As I start my 3rd month on the job, I can’t adequately explain the excitement and joy that changing the world, each and every day, brings to me. Thank you to my incredible staff, my servant-led board members, and to an amazing community for helping me defend the potential of ALL kids!
Please feel free to email Ryan if you have any questions. As BBBS continues to work hard giving back, we sincerely thank you for your support as we continue to defend our youth’s potential together.
Ryan Scott
Executive Director
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Indiana
If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Big, visit mentoringkids.org/volunteer.



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