Project MARS member Kari Barrows describes how her year serving Western North Carolina and school children has gone so far. So far, it’s a big thumbs-up!
“Living in Western North Carolina has always felt special to me – not just for the beautiful mountain landscape, but the people who call it home. I found the Project MARS/AmeriCorps program (MARS standing for Mentoring, Academic Assistance & Resources for Success) with Big Brothers Big Sisters WNC when I was looking for more meaningful ways to connect with and serve my community. I was really excited to learn about and see first-hand the positive impacts that mentorship through BBBS has on both the youth served and the mentors themselves.
As a School Engagement Coordinator serving from the BBBS office in Asheville, I have the opportunity this year to wear many “hats,” which will include one-on-one mentorship sessions with my Little Sister each week at her school. I’m also co-leading school groups where we talk about creating safe spaces, healthy boundaries and good communication skills. And I am able to help with match support between Bigs and Littles.
Another fun thing I’m able to help out with is BBBS weekend events, with my first one being a high ropes course with North Carolina Outward Bound recently. Staff with Outward Bound were incredibly positive and encouraging during this event in Transylvania County, helping both Bigs and Littles problem solve their way through the ropes course. It was really cool to see confidence grow throughout the day while we all made our way, wobbling up and down the course.
I still have so much to learn, but the folks I’ve met already – including BBBS staff, AmeriCorps members, community partners, Bigs and Littles – have shown me why joining AmeriCorps was the best decision I could have made!”
