Kelly Heritsch wanted more than the stereotypical four-year college experience of classes, parties and late nights studying.

In November 2006, when Heritsch was a junior at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, she decided to become a big sister to Emma through Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Coulee Region. The organization matches children with mentors.
“It was perfect. It brought my thoughts back to seeing the important things in my life rather than stressing out over college,” said Heritsch.

Being a part of a child’s life gave Heritsch a “family” connection that is hard to find amid the hustle and bustle of college life, she said.

“It kind of brought me home in a fresh, new way,” she said.

The experience led Heritsch to start a chapter of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program on the UW-L campus last year. It will continue next year with new leaders, as Heritsch graduated in May.

“I figured more students would want to be a part of the program, but they just didn’t know how to do that, and I wanted to help out,” she said.

Although the “bigs” still register through Big Brothers Big Sisters, the student chapter gives students a meeting grounds to plan events, share insight about being a “big” and recruit other students.

“Getting that connection between UW-L and us has been a big benefit to our organization,” said Abby Abernathy, case manager for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Coulee Region. “Kelly’s commitment to the program and to Emma has been wonderful.”

It’s not only a benefit to Abernathy and Heritsch, but for 9-year-old Emma and father Steve.

“She’s a great role model for Emma and the family,” said Steve.

Despite the age difference, she and Heritsch have a lot in common, said Emma. They both like horses. Arts and crafts, Dairy Queen trips, and picnics on the Mississippi River were just a few of Emma’s memories.

Although they are no longer big sister and little sister — Heritsch will leave in a few months to teach in Spain — the two still keep in touch.

Heritsch hopes to hear reports in coming years that the student chapter is growing.

“No matter who the kids are or their background, they are always looking for someone to look up to,” Heritsch said.

The waiting list for bigs always is long, especially for big brothers, said Abernathy.

For more information, call (608) 782-2227 or go to www.bbbsofcr.org.

KJ Lang can be reached at (608) 791-8226 or klang@lacrossetribune.com.

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