As this holiday season kicks into full gear, its important for us to take some time to reflect on the year that was and take stock in exactly how blessed each of us is. Its around this time that some choose to give back to those less fortunate whether it be through helping at a soup kitchen, playing Santa’s helper at the Post Office or for the ballers out there making charitable contributions.I have been very fortunate in my life to have always have a roof over my head, grub, the opportunity to pursue a higher education and even a working vehicle (from time to time.) I think most of my fortune in life I owe to my parents (shout to Lucy and Carlos) and their vision for me that included a determination to prevent my sister (what up Nikki) and me from becoming coming just another statistic.

However, not everyone is fortunate enough to have that guidance, due to factors put in place long before they were born. As a child of Crown Heights, Brooklyn I was by no means born with a silver spoon in my mouth. Drugs, murder, crime, the usual culprits of evil surrounded me every day of my life. At last check my two closest homeboys from the block are dead and locked up. Recently I began to reflect on what exactly was different in our experiences. I realized it was the presence of proper mentoring.

A friend of mine Tanisha recently asked me if I would be interested in volunteering as a “BIG” at her organization the The Catholic Big Sisters & Big Brothers. Initially I questioned her on what exactly I had to offer an at-risk youth. I’m no rapper or athlete they’d look up to. But I soon realized that its not the glamour and glitz most kids look up to its consistency. I thought to my busy schedule, the time commitment and responsibility and was very reluctant at first. But after some coaxing I’m very proud to say I was matched with a little brother earlier this week. He’s really dope.

Without getting too much into his b.i., I will let you know he’s 13 and like me from BK and loves hoops. We haven’t hung out yet but I’m very excited to but a little nervous at the same time. Its a lot of responsibility being challenged to positively influence someone else when you yourself could sometimes use your own mentor. So I’m impart blogging as nervous therapy and also to invite The Nation to get involved as well. You’ll be helping someone and feel good about yourself at the same time.

So if you’re in NY and would like more information on how you can be cool like me call 212-475-3291 ext 208 and ask for Tanisha Miles or (tanisha at cbsbb dot org) or Mike Metivier. And if you’re elsewhere in the Nation a quick Google search will direct you to other mentoring opportunities in your area. Happy Holidays.