Leanne Gaudet
Senior Match Specialist
Bigs and Their Littles
At Big Brothers Big Sisters, Leanne interviews people who wish to become a Big or a Little. Firstly, bigs need to be at least 18 years old and will be the mentor to a little. Secondly, a little is a child who gets signed up by their parent or guardian whose child needs that mentor in their life. BBBS’s mission is to “Create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.” The Bigs of BBBS will play as a mentor for the littles and attend events, activities, etc.
How to motivate a big to motivate their littles
Why Does She Love Her Job?
Being a part of her job makes her happy. When I see her, I think of the saying, “If you find a job you like, you will never have to work again.” and seeing the kids have a smile on their faces makes it all worth it. They do fun things that they usually wouldn’t get to do in her job. How does she motivate her bigs to motivate their littles? Listen to the audio below.
Growing up
Mrs. Gaudet gets her motivation from knowing how much a mentor changed her life, and I want to do that for others. Above all, her mentor was her volleyball coach, who pushed her to be a better athlete and a better person—growing up living in England most of her life. However, she moved far from her family later on, which was hard. Eventually, she became a dual citizen of both America and England. talking bout how her childhood was growing up on a farm and playing with the cows. Going from a farm in another country to help kids have someone to look up to is motivating. After learning her story, Mrs.Gaudet was a real inspiration to me.
Mrs. Gaudets Home
Down where Mrs. Gaudet grew up was a more classic area of England. Although it isn’t the Dream visit it is the place she grew up. After being away from home for a while she will visit them for a holiday. In her interview, she talked about visiting them recently. Although she loved seeing them she felt that she has two homes now. That’s the reason why she decided to become a dual citizen of both England and America. She may have grown up in England most of her life but she raised her family In the USA.
Summary
This was an amazing person to meet with an even more amazing backstory. From childhood to adulthood she has gone through struggles and a drive to make her dream come true. Although she may have left her previous life behind in England she has created a new life for herself helping people just like her. Except I have never seen someone drink so much tea in one sitting. I don’t think anyone in America will be doing that. in my life, The Bigs she picks for the littles will be someone they look up to as she changes their lives forever. Those kids who need mentors just like Mrs. Gaudet had back in volleyball and there is no one better suited to make a change in their lives than her.
Gavin Schmitt
Student Writer - Spring 2022
