Volunteer of the Week: Ben Colbert

A lifelong volunteer and former Boy Scout, 25-year-old Ben Colbert now shares much of his time with a third-grader named Deon through his work with Big Brothers Big Sisters New York City (BBBS of NYC). Colbert spoke with us about problems facing urban youth today and how rollerskating can often be the perfect solution.

Could you tell us about your first volunteer experience? What made you volunteer and how did the experience impact you?
"I grew up voluntering. I spent a lot of time in the Boy Scouts as a kid so it was always emphasized that you should give as much back to your community as possible. That experience really shaped my world outlook and plays a huge role in my life even to this day."

What is your work at Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City all about and what made you decide to join it specifically?
"I volunteer with the Juvenile justice program at BBBS of NYC. I have been mentoring one-on-one with a 3rd grade boy named Deon who's father had been incarcerated before he was born and was just recently released (though since his release, he has made no effort to be a part of my Little Brother's life). My role is simply to be an adult male role model for Deon, to be there for him, and do the kind of things a father figure or older brother might do."

What have you learned from your volunteer experiences that you've used in your own life, education, and career?
"I have always been passionate about the major problem facing urban youths in America. A child who has an incarcerated parent has a lower chance of graduating and is five times more likely to be incarcerated themselves. It's obvious that this is a terrible cycle, and though I can't fix the world, I can help break the cycle for one child. I am an active duty member of the U.S. Coast Guard and the organization really promotes community service. The Coast Guard has been extremely accommodating and allowed me a greater degree of flexibility than I might have at another job."