Service program benefits students, local children

By Liz Williams

At Gettysburg College, service is an integral part of many students’ lives. Liz Marshall ’14, is one of this year’s coordinators for Big Brothers Big Sisters, a program organized by the Center for Public Service.

Big Brothers Big Sisters matches college students with kids from three area elementary schools in a year-long tutoring program. Beth Adams ’12 is the other program coordinator, and is currently working with Marshall to review all applications submitted for the program. Their goal is to have 75 college students participate this year.

The Big Brothers Big Sisters program takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and includes students in grades K-3.

Marshall was a Big Sister last year, and enjoyed the experience so much that she applied to be a program coordinator for the current year.

“It’s great for the kids,” she said. “It gives them someone to look up to and to guide them.”

Marshall also tutored at Biglerville Elementary School last year as part of the Upper Adams Afterschool Program. That program is coordinated by Casey Kramer ’14 this year.

In terms of college students who participate in Big Brothers Big Sisters, Marshall noted that they see people from all class years apply. This year’s group has an especially large number of first-year applicants.

Orientation for the program begins next week and tutors will meet their students the following week.

Once the program begins, tutors will spend 30-45 minutes helping their students with homework, and then participate in games or activities. These exercises help the tutors and their students get to know each other better, and help to create a bond that will last for the duration of the school year. Returning tutors often request to have the same students they worked with during a previous year.

Marshall said her biggest hope for the program this year is for the children to feel like they have someone to look up to and for the tutors to have a meaningful experience as well.

“Both sides get a lot out of it,” she said. “It’s really a great program.”