One of the best decisions I made during my first year of school was joining Gustavus’ largest student organization, Big Partner Little Partner. Big Partner Little Partner is wonderful mentorship program where children from the area are paired with a student from Gustavus, and each pair works on both interpersonal skills, intrapersonal skills, and the goals that each pair set at the beginning of the year. I always look forward to meeting with my “little partner” every week, as we always have so much fun together and we both always have new things to teach each other. Here are eight reasons why you should join Big Partner Little Partner.

1. You get to make a difference in a child's life.

The primary purpose of this program, something that tends to get overlooked by me a lot, is the fact that each Big Partner is making a difference in their Little Partner’s life through each little conversation they have and activity that is done together. My Little Partner has told me about how coming to hang out with me is the favorite part of her week, as she gets to do things that she never could do at home.

2. They teach you so many skills as well.

Each young child has so many skills to teach us all that often get ignored. From the skills of being optimistic to learning how to make changes on the fly, my Little Partner has taught me so much about being an overall better person. It seems like my Little Partner teaches me something new every day I see her face. She even has given me, a baking extraordinaire, some tips on making my cookies better!

3. You make a lot of fun memories.

Obviously, with children, there are going to be a lot of antics and mischief to make your experience together more enjoyable. From our zombie hunting in the arb to the one time we totally scared the pants off my roommate when we hid and surprised her in our room, I will always remember all of the great times we have had and will have together.

4. You get to meet so many different, fun people.

Not only do you get to meet and get to know your Little Partner and their family, but you get to know everyone involved in the Big Partner Little Partner program extremely well. All of the pairs of “Bigs” and “Littles” get together on the occasion and go on field trips and put on other fun events. These events are a great way for the Big Partners and Little Partners to meet other “Bigs” and “Littles” from across the college and city and form lasting friendships.

5. Your "Little" will always give you a new perspective on life.

Before becoming a part of Big Partner Little Partner, I have never thought deeply about how life is viewed from the mind of a child. Sure, I was their age at one point, but naturally, I have forgotten what it feels like to not be tall enough to reach the top shelf or to not have some of the social skills I take for granted today. These new perspectives have better taught me how to help our relationship as “Big” and “Little” thrive.

6. You will gain the best six-pack from how many times you share a laugh with them.

Kids say the goofiest things. They make up the goofiest songs, and they also make up the silliest dance moves to go along with it. My Little never fails to make me laugh even on the toughest of days. I mean, could you keep a straight face if a young child came up to and asked you what your farts smell like?

7. They know how to bring your spirits up.

Naturally, we all have our bad days. We have our days when it seems like the world is against us and that nothing is working in our favor. However, whenever I see my Little Partner, it seems like the whole world suddenly stops and everything is happy again. Every Little Partner seems to know how to bring out the best of their Big Partners and make their Big Partners feel all the love in the world.

8. You have a new, guaranteed best friend.

Through our ups and downs, I know that My Little Partner and I will always have each other’s backs. Like Jake and Elwood Blues, we will forever be partners in crime.