“When I was a young girl I was matched with an older girl in the Big Sister Program,” advised San Diego Job Corps student Rebecca Pierce. Pierce, 18, obtained her GED, completed Job Corps’ Nursing Assistant program, and will be graduating after completing her high school diploma.  “I really benefited from the program when I was younger, so this has been an opportunity to help someone else,” she added.  Pierce recently was honored by Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County for completing one year in the program.

“Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego aims to create mentoring partnerships throughout San Diego County,” advised Ekhlas Salama, Match Support Specialist for Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County.  “In the South Bay area, we have been fortunate enough to work with Job Corps, and have attained some great mentors for our Little Brothers and Little Sisters.  We greatly appreciate the commitment of some of our senior volunteers, such as Gene and Rebecca who continue to come each week for an hour and mentor their Littles.”
 
Job Corps student Gene Marc Ducadao, 21, has been a volunteer with the program for the past five months.  “I enjoy working with young people,” he stated.  “I was a big brother to my own siblings and cousins, so being a big brother in this program came easy for me.” While enrolled at Job Corps Gene also received his GED, and will soon be completing the Bricklaying trade.  “My Little Brother and I mostly played basketball and soccer together, and it’s been a lot of fun for both of us.  I’m going to miss the interaction with him.”

Job Corps Recreation Coordinator Michael Campobasso coordinates Job Corps’ participation in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program.  “Community service at all levels is an important part of the Job Corps experience for our students,” he advised.  “Our student volunteers are asked to spend time each week with their Little Brother or Sister and we provide for their transportation to the Berry Elementary School site.  This is the third year we’ve had volunteers,” Campobasso continued.  “We plan to continue our involvement with the program as it certainly is a rewarding experience for everyone who participates.”