Women's History Month Feature: Sarah Willock
In honor of Women's History Month, we sat down with Harvey County Big Sister Sarah Willcok to find out her journey as a Big Sister and career at USD 373!
Why did you decide to become a mentor? KS
BBBS did a presentation at a meeting I attended. Upon hearing the presentation, I felt called to be a Big. I’ve always wanted the chance to make an impact in someone’s life and hopefully change it for the better.
What is your favorite thing about being matched?
My Little is my favorite thing about being matched! The connection feels effortless and I enjoy getting to know and spending time with her.
Who is your mentor and how have they helped you?
I have a co-worker that is an amazing source of support and advice. She’s older than I am and has experience in life situations that I am just now entering (i.e. motherhood and being a working mom). She helps keep me grounded and lets me know I am never alone.
What do you do for work and how did you get there?
I am a USD 373 employee. I work for Parents as Teachers. I have been a parent educator for the program for just under 6 years. I started with the school district as a para, and when this position became available, I jumped at the chance to work with children 0-3 and help their parents understand child development and facilitate more positive parent-child interactions.
What is the most important thing you have learned in your career?
As an adult, it can be easy to gloss over the problems of a child because we have had so much more life experience. To a child, something that seems inconsequential to us can be all-encompassing to them. It is so important not to dismiss their problems, but to help the child through them, and make them feel heard and understood.