Sometimes volunteering in the community can be child’s play.

by Sara Coppo, Guest Blogger

Eva De La Cruz is a busy Kalamazoo Christian High School senior who spends most of her time volunteering, playing tennis, coaching volleyball and helping out with musicals. But one of the most rewarding parts of her week, she says, is being a Big Sister.

Eva is going on her third year of being a part of Big Brothers Big Sisters, A Community of Caring. BBBS is a partner with United Way. Big Brothers Big Sisters pairs children (Littles) between the ages of 6 and 18 with supportive adults (Bigs).

The link between BBBS and United Way is a shared focus on the social and emotional wellbeing of children, which in turn supports United Way’s goal of improving graduation rates across the region.

Every week during the school year, Eva and her Little, Laney, meet for 30 minutes to do whatever Laney wants to do that day. They color, play, or even just sit and talk.

“It’s interesting to see Laney’s different perspectives on life. She’s growing up way different than I did even though we only grew up 20 minutes away from each other,” Eva said.

Eva has learned the importance of patience, listening and understanding, and friendship, among other things through being a Big Sister.

“Building the friendship with Laney was really cool to see, when we first met it took forever just to get a few words, but now she is a lot more comfortable. I enjoy going just as much as she does.”

Eva believes that everyone can learn something from someone, and being a Big is a great way to fulfill that in your life.

“I think everyone should strive to be more childlike,” Eva said.