Actor Hill Harper reflects on impact of Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring
NEW YORK (WABC) -- Actor, author and child advocate Hill Harper is a dedicated member of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. He even credits his work with the youth mentorship organization for preparing him for fatherhood.
His advocacy work with the group all started when Harper was looking at a window while going to pick up food. He saw a sign and in that moment, something hit him.
"The 800 number was there, and I just called it and it started me off on a journey that changed my life," Harper said.
For Harper, the decision to become a mentor may have been spontaneous, but the impact a mentor has on a child's life can be significant and lasting.
Michael Coughlin, the executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC said kids who have a mentor are 20% more likely to go to college and earn 15% more money over the course of their lifetime.
"The kids in our program are less likely to get in trouble, less likely to do drugs, oftentimes have stronger relationships with their friends and family," Coughlin said.
Kendall Erickson is a big sister. She was paired up with little sister Angie Martinez six years ago in New York. Angie was just 9 years old and a much quieter girl than the confident, talkative 15-year-old she has become.
This is something she credits to having a big sister who supports her.
"Having a big sister is really a joyful experience," Martinez said. "I've never really had someone who could listen like that, especially on teenager things, you know? She really inspires me to go for the things I want to be."
"Just like being able to talk about the future and talk about school in like a friend sort of way without it being like your mom telling you to do certain things or like your teacher. I think it's just a very unique and special person to be for a kid," Erickson added.
Harper said it's the most profound and powerful program in the country.
"It's one-on-one. They're gonna see your behavior. That's what mentorship is, is witnessing how someone walks through their walk and then doing the same thing and seeing that's the right way to live," Harper said.
Harper said he wouldn't have had the confidence to adopt his son if it wasn't for his experience as a big brother.
"I learned that I did have information and wisdom to share," Harper said. "I learned I was a caring person. I learned it was fun to hang with a young person. He taught me, certainly, as much as...I may have taught him."
And there are more children in need of help. In New York alone, 200 kids are currently waiting for a big brother or big sister.
"You know, to become a big brother or big sister, all you need is a big heart and a good heart," Harper said. "And you are enough already."
The mentoring relationship for Big Brothers or Big Sisters can last for at least a year and potentially a lifetime.
"I have something to look up to now, I have something to be happy about," Martinez said. "Someone to look up to and something to look up to is just like the best thing ever."
Advocates and Allies, A Protect Our Children Special Presentation, airs Saturday, May 16 at 7 pm, on WABC-TV and wherever you stream ABC 7 New York.
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