Download a PDF - Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City

Focusing on the future
Amanda and Laurie
“If it wasn’t for my Big Sister Laurie and the
BBBS Workplace Mentoring Program (WMP),
I would have been a high school drop out,”
explains Amanda, a Little entering her senior year
of high school and her 4th year in the program.
A self-described naturally shy loner, Amanda
joined the WMP as a way to make friends.
She found one in Laurie, an assistant in the
legal department at CBS — a WMP corporate
sponsor. Their relationship would impact
Amanda’s future forever. “Laurie pushed me
and made me realize that if I wanted to go far
in life, I had to work hard for it.”
“Although Amanda seemed tough in the
beginning, I saw through the façade and
realized there was a need to be nurtured,”
Laurie says. At the time, Amanda had been
just passing her high school classes, but when
the topic of college came up during the fall of
her junior year, she came to Laurie in despair,
asking what it would take to go to college.
Laurie made a deal with Amanda: Bring
your average up to a B+ or higher and don’t
miss another day of school and I’ll help you
prepare for college.
With Laurie’s motivation and assistance,
Amanda’s average went from a 65 to an 85
in a four-month period, and she had perfect
attendance. “I saw that she just needed to be
encouraged,” explains Laurie, who finds her
role as a mentor in
the program to be a
highlight of her
work experience.
With Laurie’s
help on her essay
and some coaching
on her interview
skills Amanda got
a paid internship
this summer at the
Museum of Art
and Design, an
opportunity found
through BBBS of
NYC. “I realized I
could actually work
and be independent. I didn’t think I had it in
me, but Laurie made me believe in myself,”
Amanda admits.
Expanding horizons by
helping others in need
Laurie explained to Amanda that she would need
to do some community service to round out her
college application, and suggested the Special
Olympics, where Laurie, herself, was a volunteer.
“Most high school students show up for
a few times to get their community service
recommendation and never return,” comments
Erica Dubno, a head coach for Special Olympics’
basketball program. “Amanda came every
Sunday for the entire year, and became a
very valuable volunteer. She was soon able to
manage her own group, assist them in getting
from station to station, and was a huge part
of our big tournament event at the end of the
season,” she adds.
Amanda acknowledges that she was
terrified at first, but felt proud of herself for
doing something worthwhile. “It was nice to
make a difference in someone’s life, and it
was fun.” Amanda describes her volunteer
experience at Special Olympics, noting
that it made her realize how lucky she is.
“I think I will always want to volunteer with
an organization and help out — maybe even
be a Big Sister some day.” Amanda also
participated at a New York Cares event this
year, helping to paint a school playground.
Concentrating on college applications,
maintaining a B+ average, volunteering and
attending her final year in the CBS Workplace
Mentoring Program, Amanda is well on her
way to a successful future. “I wouldn’t be
who I am today without Laurie,” she says.
Laurie added, “And who she is today is a
motivated young woman with a bright future
ahead of her, as well as a valuable contributor
to the community.”
Amanda, Little
“I
didn’t
think I had
it in me,
but Laurie made
me believe in
myself.”
3