Beth Osborne

Now that my own children are living on their own, I have dedicated myself to working with other children and their families, in particular, as a “Big Sister” with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Nevada.

There are so many children who are living in difficult circumstances and have no frame of reference outside of their limited experiences. In my mind, the only way to end the cycle of poverty is to expand the horizons of those children, give them hope that they can have a better future, and the self-confidence to make it happen.

I am volunteering weekly at a local animal shelter with a high school student who wants to gain experience for her resumé and dreams of becoming a veterinarian. She has connected with these homeless animals in a way that few understand, as she has been in foster care herself for the past several years and knows what it is like to feel unwanted and unloved. She recently told me that our time at the shelter starts off each week on a positive note–all the thanks I need!

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Nationwide more than 30,000 “Littles” are waiting to be matched with a “Big.”

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My “Little Sister” and I meet consistently every week. Newly-turned 15, she has been willing to try anything new. Her resilience is admirable and I look forward to listening to her talk about her introduction to high school and being a sounding board for her to express her frustrations over her family circumstances, while coaching her on ways to develop her own potential.

Now is the time to reach out and help our youth. You don’t have to be a teacher or an expert in any field, just be willing to be there for someone. Join a program like Big Brothers Big Sisters, where training and professional guidance is provided. All you have to do is get to know a younger person and deal with them where they are. The rewards are immeasurable!