May’s Match Spotlight: Meagan/Aulani

Big Sister Meagan with Little Sister Aulani

Growth is sprouting naturally for BBBS of Mid-Florida because of the connections that are made through its programs and the people who believe in its cause.  Meagan met her 8-year-old Little Aulani in September.  They began meeting through the Bigs and Schools and Sites program, and Meagan kept logging more than the minimum hours required.  When she learned that her Little was moving to Starke, Meagan was determined not to let it divide them.  They switched to the Community-Based Mentoring program and became BBBS of Mid-Florida’s first match in Bradford County.

“It’s been amazing so far,” Meagan exclaimed.  “This is something I never pass up.”  Every other weekend, she picks up Aulani for 5-6 hours of meaningful fun.  Last time they met, they made cupcakes and painted, jamming out to a Hannah Montana Pandora Radio station.  Aulani was dancing around the room – “She’s not shy at all,” Meagan added.  The two are working on a scrapbook together and often create homemade cards.  Meagan also helps develop her Little’s love for reading.  “She reminds me what it’s like to be a kid,” she said, but at the same time, “She’s helped my own maturity.”

Meagan has been in Gainesville for six years studying accounting at the University of Florida.  She is about to graduate with her master’s in accounting and plans to become a certified financial planner and work for the local James Moore & Company.  She found out about BBBS through a coworker on campus who was a Big.  Meagan heard her stories and realized it was the volunteering opportunity she had been looking for – less administrative in nature and worth her time.

“I think that children are just so important and that they should be our prime focus.  One-on-one attention is so hard with parents working and everything,” she said.  She explained that simple conversations with children in schools would make them smile.  “It’s more rewarding than I ever could’ve imagined.”  Furthermore, she added, “It’s definitely something someone should try.” According to Meagan, BBBS’s mentoring programs help you learn how to interact with people.