2009 Big Sister of the Year
Rachel Nielsen
Rachel is a Ball State University graduate who has a Master's in Organizational Development and works at Ball Memorial Hospital as a health care recruiter. She enrolled in our program because it was something she had always wanted to do.
Rachel Nielsen
Rachel is a Ball State University graduate who has a Master's in Organizational Development and works at Ball Memorial Hospital as a health care recruiter. She enrolled in our program because it was something she had always wanted to do.We are looking for Big Sisters who will be positive role models and who will be committed to their Little. She and Stacia have now been matched since June 2007 and she has been that and much more. She has participated in agency events and is always willing to go above and beyond to help out our organization, as well as Stacia.
Rhonda, Stacia's mom, always has wonderful things to say about Rachel and feels that it is nice to have someone helping with Stacia as she is growing up and maturing. Rachel makes sure she attends Stacia's band recitals and tries to stay involved with her other school events and activities. They enjoy doing arts and crafts and made a scrapbook of their first year together. She helps Stacia with her homework, they go to the movies, out to eat, they go putt-putting, and sometimes just talk and hangout. Rachel even survived a Hannah Montana movie marathon. Rachel and Stacia often cook together and then on occasion Stacia will bring that recipe home and cook it for her family.
Rachel said that she is trying to help Stacia get through her teenage years with ease. Rhonda said since they have been matched Stacia has shown an improvement in her grades, a more positive attitude, and Rachel always works with Mom to guide Stacia in the right direction. I think Mom summed it up best when she said, "Rachel is a Godsend."
From Rachel
For the past two years I have been volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware County and have been matched with a wonderful girl who is now 13. I have been so blessed by my experience with this organization and getting to know my Little Sister and her family. Many volunteers, including myself, go into this thinking that they will impact the life of a child and don't consider the enormous gift that the Little can bring to their life. I have learned so much more from my Little than I could have ever imagined and been truly blessed to experience so many aspects of life with her. And even on the days that I don't feel 'up to' meeting with her - I meet with her anyway because I know she is depending on me and after I drop her off, she has lifted my spirits and I have such a different outlook on life.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is currently in need of volunteers to become matched with Littles that are currently waiting for a 'big sibling'. They are especially in need of Big Brothers as the waiting list is extensive in this county. Unlike some organizations, your volunteer time commitment with Big Brothers Big Sisters is up to you. I meet with my Little every other week on a regular basis and additional days periodically. Your meeting time is set between you and your Little and their parents. The organization asks that as a volunteer you focus on the relationship between you and your Little - it's not about what you can give them or what you can do for them - it's about building a relationship that your Little can depend on. The organization offers monthly events you and your Little can participate it and they have larger events periodically throughout the year, like free trips to Kings Island. Or you can just hang out, play a game of basketball, make dinner, watch a movie or do something that you and your Little both enjoy.
If you have ever considered becoming involved in such an organization, I encourage you to make the step and get involved - you will not regret it!
Former Big Sisters of the Year (PDF)
