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MSG Tara Miller, a Big Brothers Big Sisters Greater Fredericksburg Board Member and Little Alum of BBBS Greater Lafayette, Indiana, has repeatedly demonstrated her passion toward the power of mentorships and continuously gives back to BBBS through her generosity, volunteerism, and contributions of her perspective as a former Little. One of the ways she recently advocated for BBBS was through her Little alumni speech she gave to community members at our annual Empowering Potential Business Breakfast.
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Her former Big and cherished friend, Janet, joined us at the breakfast to support her former Little as she energized the community to give to Big Brothers Big Sisters Greater Fredericksburg's mission to defend the potential of youth. We appreciate their good work in giving back to BBBS and are thrilled to share their inspiring mentorship story with you.
"My name is MSG Tara Miller, and I have the honor of being a board member and Little Sister Alum for the nonprofit Big Brothers Big Sisters. I’m here today to share my personal story and experience with Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the profound impact it has had on my life.
I want you to visualize this picture as you take a walk with me:
Picture a small, state-assisted apartment in a sprawling complex where the buildings, once new, have faded over time. The walls are thin, and the sounds of life from neighboring apartments constantly echo through the narrow halls—a baby crying, muffled arguments, and the hum of a television. The apartment is clean but sparsely furnished, with worn-out, hand-me-down furniture.
The child, 8 years old, has learned the language of struggle. They try to understand why there’s not always money for new clothes or toys like their classmates have. Their meals are simple, often the same thing several times a week. Weekdays are routine. The child comes home from school, dropping a well-worn backpack by the door, starting chores. They’ve learned early to take on a certain quiet independence, recognizing the weight their parent carries alone.
Yet, there's a deep-seated awareness in the parent that they can’t provide everything their child needs—not just financially, but emotionally, socially. The apartment walls feel too small, and the world outside, so large and full of possibilities, feels just out of reach. The parent wonders constantly if their child will be okay, if living like this will limit them, though the parent tries to give all they can.
The child, though resilient, carries a quiet loneliness. They’ve grown up without siblings to confide in, without another voice in the home to share their thoughts and dreams. They’ve become independent, resourceful even, but there’s a hint of something deeper, a longing for more. The parent sees it in their eyes, in their reluctance to talk about school or make friends, and it tugs at the parent’s heart.
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The child was me. On July 20th, 1992, my life took a significant turn when I met Janet, my mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters. I was just 8 years old, and was enrolled by my mom, who was seeking the kind of support and guidance she knew her daughter needed. Janet, a college student full of energy and promise, stepped in with dedication, ensuring weekly meetings with me that soon became the highlight of my week.
Our time together was filled with experiences I might never have had like Big Brothers Big Sisters hosted events and Janet taking me on park outings, like visiting the “Pink” which was a fountain on Purdue’s college campus. Janet introduced me to new perspectives, helping me see the world in a broader light. Through these outings and conversations, my confidence began to grow. I started dreaming bigger and seeing more possibilities for my future, inspired by the opportunities Janet opened for me.
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Janet’s consistency and care provided me with more than just new experiences. They created a bond that offered me emotional support and stability during a formative time in my life. Janet became a role model, showing me that with perseverance and guidance, I could overcome challenges and shape a future of my own. Over time, the weekly meetings became not just a source of learning but of trust and friendship—one that changed the course of my life for the better.
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Thirty-three years later, Janet remains a cornerstone for my life, proving that our bond has only deepened with time. Janet has stood by me through every milestone—during deployments, my wedding, the births of my children, and even my promotion ceremonies for the Army. Our relationship has evolved from mentor and mentee to best friends and lifelong companions.
I have become an essential part of Janet’s family, with Janet's children knowing me as their "auntie," someone they can trust and rely on, just as Janet has been for me. Our connection is more than just friendship; it is a family forged through trust, love, and decades of shared experiences. Janet’s presence in my life continues to inspire, just as it did when we first met in 1992.
A Big Brother or Big Sister has the power to inspire potential in a child’s life. To show a child that you are a success shows them their potential in becoming successful. Even after I was no longer officially matched in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, Janet and I have continued our relationship. I encourage you to join me in investing in Big Brothers Big Sisters. I want to ask you to participate as a volunteer and/or as a donor to support the work of this life-changing organization. Consider a donation or applying to become a Big to ignite the potential of a child. You can be that motivator that changes a child’s life for a lifetime, like Janet was and still is to me. Thank you all!"
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