WICHITA, Kansas – Two young men have proven to be strong role models in Wichita and their efforts will hopefully encourage others to get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters programs.
Two of Wichita’s Young Professionals have been heavily involved with the program. Both say giving up some of their timer has been very rewarding.
"If you're interested in helping out your community, helping out a little, it's just something real positive, you can affect someone's life in a very positive way,” said Rene Campirano, a SpiritAerosystems employee.
An active member of the Young Professionals of Wichita, Rene moved here from L.A. a few years ago before becoming a Big to 13-year-old Rafael.
"I just took a plunge and met a great Little and we've been matched up for two years,” Rene said.
And in those crucial preteen and now teen years of Rafael’s life, Rene has positioned himself as a good mentor and friend.
"He just acts like a little kid and an adult at the same time,” Rene said. “He teaches me life lessons, and he plays around with me.”
Justin has also been with his match – 12-year-old Dominique for a few years. The 27 year old is very involved in the community and learned about the program through a friend. He says the decision to become a Big was also based on his own life experiences growing up.
“As a child of a single parent home, I needed it, so when I saw that opportunity, that really made me want to do it, and it made me want to give back to a kid like myself in a sense,” Justin said.
Many of their activities together include sports. And maybe there’s some friendly competition between them, but it may be just the act of spending some quality time with a child that makes all the difference.
"We’ll just go sit down and eat and chat,” he said. “Talk about what he wants to do when he grows up- tons of things. You name it."
Currently there are many Young Professionals involved in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Now, whether you are young or maybe not so young, getting involved is a great way to give a little something back and also become a mentor to a young child. Consider becoming a big brother or big sister.
