The 2009-2010 Big Sib chairs have started taking charge of their organization. Next year’s Big Sib applications were distributed this past week to give sophomores and juniors an opportunity to apply (or reapply) for a position. While the chairs are looking for ambitious, outgoing, and enthusiastic individuals, they also require that Big Sibs complete their duties, like going to their Little Sibs’ homerooms every week, attending afterschool events like dances and open houses, and playing a role in their Little Sibs’ lives.

Written applications give the chairs background information about who the candidates are, what activities they’re involved in, and why they want to be a Big Sib. Potential Big Sibs need to show effort and promise in order to pass the first phase. The next step of the process, the interview, is used to gauge how well candidates communicate. Interviews start after spring break and continue into early May. Because of the number of applications this year, the chairs will be focusing more intensely on interviews.

Five to six Big Sibs are assigned to each homeroom. In each homeroom, a senior Big Sib is chosen to lead his or her fellow Big Sibs. “What we’re aiming for is the opportunity for incoming students to find a person who they feel they can relate to,” junior and Big Sib chair Tara Anantharam said.

The new Big Sib chairs want themed homerooms for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Big Sibs would bring food. “Having a class-wide activity would not only help Little Sibs and Big Sibs bond, but it would also help unify the entire freshman class, making the transition to Stuy more enjoyable,” junior and Big Sib chair Adeline Yeo said.

“We will be trying to really ensure that Big Sibs go to every freshman homeroom and maintain attendance throughout the year. Homeroom is a huge part of a Big Sib’s responsibilities so we will be keeping tabs on this more and making sure this remains a stronger aspect of the program,” junior and Big Sib chair Avril Coley wrote in an e-mail interview.
With September only months away, the chairs are already preparing ways to improve the lives of next school year’s incoming freshman.

“We want to know that everyone we choose to be as a Big Sib is confident and knowledgeable about the school,” Anantharam said. “They should be able to make their Little Sibs feel comfortable and give advice on how to deal with problems.”

“As a Big Sib I am looking to see that all my Little Sibs are enjoying themselves, are active in the community, and are doing well in school,” junior and Big Sib chair Alex Genshaft said. “If those three things are accomplished, then the Big Sibs have definitely done their job, and done it well.”