Big Brothers Big Sisters making a big difference from MWSU Campus Watch on Vimeo.

From Kellly Plorin’s freshman to senior year in college, she has devoted her time to mentoring Chelsee, a fourth grader at Kate Burgess Elementary School.

Before meeting Kelly through the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization, Chelsee struggled with school and was in need of a strong friendship.

The non–profit organization aims to help children reach their potential by building a professionally supported, one–on–one relationship with a big brother or sister.

Plorin says she and the other volunteers are just students willing to give a little extra time to make a difference in a child’s life.

“This organization is special to me because of the impact she has put on my life and just hanging out with her, she’s made my life so much happier,” Plorin, a senior in special education, said.

When a child is in need of a mentor, it’s not a random selection. Members of the organization take part in a two and a half month long process which include background checks, common interests and personal references to make sure that each big and little are a perfect match.

The program extended to campus two years ago and Big Brother member, Dylan Sapata says student involvement has increased to a total of 28 student volunteers.

“At first it was military, older people but now there’s like college students like me and the president Kelly and a lot of kids I go to school with are doing it,” Dylan Sapata, a junior in accounting said.

Plorin says she never had a little sister and is excited to be Chelsee’s lifelong mentor.

“Every time that I hang out with her she always makes me laugh and no matter what we do, she always has a great attitude about it,” Plorin said.