Students benefit from Golden Tiger Bigs mentoring

RUSSELLVILLE – The Golden Tiger Bigs program matched three younger students with three older volunteers during the justcompleted spring semester.

Part of the national Big Brothers Big Sisters organization, the matched pairs met weekly. Since the program started in 2017, 72 pairs have been matched, each consisting of a “Little” student and a “Big” student or community volunteer.

Mandy Farris 
PHOTO BY MARIA CAMP

The “Littles” are referrals by teachers, counselors, principals, or sometimes by their parents. Parental permission is required, and an application process ensures the student meets the program’s needs assessment criteria.

The program is currently led by Mandy Farris, a 2000 Russellville High School graduate and mother of two. She stepped into the role earlier this year.

Fourth grader Brina Nesmith and University of North Alabama Student Amanda Nieto play checkers. PHOTO BY MARIA CAMP

The object of the program is to provide positive role models and meaningful relationships for young students. Weekly visits might include playing a board game, chatting about life — or simply being present and listening.

Visits take place during the school day at the school of the “Little.”

Each Big-Little pair may spend their time differently, but the purpose remains the same: to provide the Little with a supportive and stable relationship.

Fourth grader Brina Nesmith and University of North Alabama Student Amanda Nieto make bracelets together. 
CONTRIBUTED/MANDY FARRIS

Fourth grader Brina Nesmith was paired with Amanda Nieto, a student at the University of North Alabama. The two met during part of Nesmith’s second-grade year and resumed their meetings this past semester.

“What I like is that we’ve gotten to play games and chat,” Nesmith said. “We play checkers, and we like to make bracelets.”

Checkers became a shared learning experience. Nieto was new to it, and for Nesmith, it was a former favorite game. They watched videos together to learn the rules and sharpen their skills.

“It was tough,” Nesmith said with a smile. “But I’ve already beaten her.”

Nesmith added checkers holds an extra-special meaning for her.

“I used to be really good at it,” she said. “Ever since my brother moved out, I haven’t gotten to really play it with anyone. My mom’s been busy, and I used to just not play it because I felt lonely with my brother gone.”

Nieto said the bond the pair has developed makes the time especially meaningful.

Recent RHS graduate Ty Willis met with his Little, Jace Armstead, for two years
CONTRIBUTED/MANDY FARRIS

“I really like that I get to come and see Brina. We play games, or she tells me what’s going on at home or in school. She just opens up and shares, and that means a lot.”

Nesmith agreed. “It makes me happy, and it keeps me entertained.”

‘Bigs’ needed “The counselors, teachers — everybody I’ve talked to — they’re all so excited,” Farris said of the program. “They’ve told me how much the ‘Bigs’ mean to their ‘Littles,’ how much of a positive influence they are.”

Unfortunately, there is not currently an available “Big” to match every “Little” who has qualified to participate in the program.

“I’ve got a file cabinet full of ‘Littles’ who are ready,” Farris said. “They’re just waiting for someone to match with them. For the ‘Big,’ participating in the program provides an opportunity to focus on someone besides themselves.”

“Big” Selena Pablo Pounders meets with her “Little,” Addison Presley, at Russellville Middle School.
CONTRIBUTED/MANDY FARRIS

Her passion for the task at hand is unwavering.

“My drive is just knowing that those kids are waiting,” Farris said. “I want to get the word out because I know how much this can mean for them. We have the ‘Littles.’ We just need more ‘Bigs.’” Mutual benefits

While the program provides support for elementary and middle school students, the impact often goes both ways. For high school and adult mentors, the experience can be transformative.

“I think it gives them a different perspective,” Farris said of the impact the program can have for ‘Bigs.’ “It helps them learn to think about others, to show up consistently, to realize they can be a positive influence.”

Recently graduated Russellville High School senior Ty Willis saw that firsthand. He was paired with Jace Armstead for two years, starting with his junior year.

“My favorite thing we’ve done together is play basketball,” Armstead said. “And my favorite thing about Ty is his kindness.”

Willis said he didn’t know what to expect when he started, but he’s glad he decided to participate. “I may not have ever known Jace without it,” he said. “He’s a really good kid, and it’s been fun getting to know him and spend time with him.”

Willis said he was inspired to take part after seeing senior football players involved in the program.

He believes the program creates valuable opportunities for younger students.

“I think younger kids look up to high school kids, even if they don’t really know them,” he said. “I still remember some of the guys who were older than me when I was young. I would see them playing sports, and I looked up to them. Golden Tiger Bigs allows elementary students to get to know high school kids more personally, and gives them an opportunity to be mentored by them.”

Community effort

Farris said while most of the “Bigs” have been high school students, adults from the community are also encouraged to get involved. Volunteers go through an application process that includes references, an interview and a background check to ensure they are committed and reliable.

“The key is consistency and care,” Farris said. “It’s just about being present. You don’t have to have special skills.” I know that all these kids are waiting to be matched, and I really want to get the word out so we can match all of them.”