 Big Brothers Big Sisters Alumnus Reflects on Impact of His "Big Brother" |
The following is a personal story submitted by United Way funded agency Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Wisconsin. Find out firsthand how this agency is making a difference in the community.
"I wouldn't be where I am today without my Big Brother."
Derek is a 30-year-old alumni of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Wisconsin and is currently the Service Center Manager/Ticket Coordinator for the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Derek was enrolled in the program when he was in 3rd grade due to a divorce. Derek's mom thought it would be a good way for him to have a stable male role model in his life. "I was painfully shy at that age."
Having a Big Brother helped keep Derek out of trouble and focused on his future. "We spent a lot of time together, at least once a week." One of Derek's favorite memories is doing math homework. "I would get frustrated, but he would be calm and talk me through it. He kept me interested in school." Derek also re-
members that "he was always encouraging me. Anytime I struggled with something he would help me, but he wouldn't do it for me. Rather he would walk me through it."
Derek truly attributes his success in life to the influence of his Big Brother. "I definitely wouldn't have gone to college without him encouraging me and making sure I knew it was possible. I was a first generation college student; neither of my parents went to college. There was no one in my life who had gone to college. He helped me realize I was smart and could get good grades." Derek went on to college and received a Bachelor's Degree in Theater Arts from UW-Eau Claire and now serves on the Board of Directors for the Eau Claire Children's Theater.
Derek became interested in theater in 5th grade when he played an extra in an UW-Eau Claire show. "My Big Brother helped foster my interest in theater." He supported Derek in his interests and desire to become more involved in theater. Derek has played parts in numerous productions and was most recently in An Adult Evening with Shel Silverstein with the Bare Bones Theater Ensemble Group. Derek also participates in Bowl for Kids' Sake and is one of the top fundraisers. Derek says, "his [Bigs'] generosity with his time, money and support really helped me become who I am today and because of that I want to give back to the community."
For more information on Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Wisconsin, visit their website . United Way's note: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Wisconsin is currently in need of more than 100 people to mentor children. Please visit http://www.bbbsnw.org to view their upcoming Volunteer Information Sessions. |
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Corporate Leader Profile: 3M
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3M is one of United Way St. Croix Valley's most generous corporate supporters year after year, and this year has been no exception. Together, 3M employees and retirees gave more than $100,000 during the most recent United Way campaign. The dedication of 3M to United Way is shown in other ways as well. For example, 3M retiree and 40-year United Way donor Warren Schneider is serving as United Way St. Croix Valley's Vice President and Campaign Chair for the 2011 campaign. His wife, Linda Robertson, is serving as co-chair.
3M is successful in applying its innovative technologies in a variety of markets, including adhesives, office products, abrasives, health care and highway safety. It has locations around the world and is headquartered in St. Paul, MN.
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