Bauer Gives Back: Mentoring the Future
Bauer Alumnus Provides Mentorship to Big Brothers Big Sisters
Published on December 16, 2013
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series called “Bauer Gives Back,” which will run through the rest of the Fall 2013 semester. Bauer Gives Back highlights volunteer activities and charitable efforts of students, staff, faculty and alumni of the college.
Serving as a “Big” for the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization, Alumnus Sepand Moshiri (GEMBA ’12) spends time with Brendan (right), taking him to UH football games and helping through difficult times in school and his personal life.
It’s not every day that you get an older brother – someone to be your mentor, friend and family all at once. But one Bauer College alumni chose to make the difference.
Sepand Moshiri (GEMBA ’12) has been a “Big” since 2007 at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston (BBBS), where he meets with his “Little” twice a month.
After his “Little” strived for a year to be matched with no success, Moshiri was matched with Brendan and they now meet for events, games and one-on-one talks to help him get through each grade level at school.
“I sought another way to actively find a non-profit to utilize my time, especially during a difficult career period of my life. I had performed mentorship to younger students during my much younger days,” Moshiri said. “I felt this organization would be a great way to give back to someone specifically at this older stage of my life.”
After getting involved with BBBS, he eventually became a member of the Business Partnership Development Committee, where he helped bring speakers from BBBS for the Bauer MBA Society to offer the opportunity of becoming a “Big” to other Bauer College students and alumni.
“It is important to remain a 'Big Brother' to Brendan and see him develop, grow and bond in front of my eyes and his eyes,” Moshiri said. “That's the only way to see a positive impact in one's life within his family unit and for myself.”
“It is a commitment to your 'Little' sister or brother and to strive to do innovative and fun programs, events and games together. But they should have one-on-one talks to help them during each year of their growing phase as they navigate through each grade level at school. There may be scenarios such as bullying or difficulty with concentration in classes, in which your coaching can make a world of difference.”
Moshiri also serves as a board member for Arc of Greater Houston, a non-profit that promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetime. The Arc serves and works with children, adolescents and their families.
“I chose Arc when I was seeking a good non-profit to serve as a board member. There was an opening, and I was in a transition in my life,” Moshiri added. “Our organization provides a myriad of programs for these wonderful and inspired chaps.”