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Every quarter at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire, the agency votes to recognize an outstanding team member who has gone above and beyond.
[/fwp-anim-text][vc_separator color=”grey” align=”align_center” style=”” border_width=”” el_width=””][fwp-anim-text animated=”true” animation=”enter right move 10px over 1s after”]This past quarter, the All-Star is match support specialist Ryan Brueckner.
As an undergrad at California State University, Fullerton studying human services, Ryan came to Big Brothers Big Sisters through an internship opportunity. From there, he was hired part-time as a program specialist for the High School Bigs program. About a year ago, Ryan became a match support specialist and is an integral member of the team! [/fwp-anim-text][vc_empty_space height=”6px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1494453248880{background-color: #e5e5e5 !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][fwp-anim-text animated=”true” animation=”enter right move 10px over 1s after”]
Get to know more about Ryan:
[/fwp-anim-text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=”” width=”1/3″][fwp-anim-text animated=”true” animation=”enter right move 10px over 1s after”]What’s one thing most people wouldn’t know about your job?
As match support specialist, I conduct phone calls, find out what matches are doing, make sure they’re safe and assist in any issues or communication barriers. I really enjoy talking to volunteers on a personal level. I like to learn about what they do in their regular lives. It’s a great way to hear their stories and get to know them. [/fwp-anim-text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=”” width=”1/3″][fwp-anim-text animated=”true” animation=”enter right move 10px over 1s after”]Can you share a memorable moment at BBBS?
Going to the Big Brothers Big Sisters graduation for the first time. I was new to the position—about three to four months—so it was incredible to see the program in action. The matches have been together for so long and this is the moment they’ve been waiting for. At one point, matches are invited to share a few words. Of course, the most extroverted ones talk first, but as it goes on, the quieter ones get up to say something too. It’s really inspiring. [/fwp-anim-text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=”” width=”1/3″][fwp-anim-text animated=”true” animation=”enter right move 10px over 1s after”]How do you define a mentor?
A mentor is someone who is consistent, not just in spending time but consistent in remembering what’s going on in their mentee’s life and checking in on them. Mentoring is about figuring out what mentee’s goals are and helping them find the best pathway to achieve success. [/fwp-anim-text][vc_empty_space height=”6px”][fwp-anim-text animated=”true” animation=”enter right move 10px over 1s after”]Who is your mentor?
Definitely some of my peers have helped me and some of my teachers in school were really powerful mentors. I also listen to a lot of podcasts and motivational speakers. I never had a strong male role model so I always seeked outside help. [/fwp-anim-text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=”” width=”1/1″][fwp-anim-text animated=”true” animation=”enter right move 10px over 1s after”]
Fun facts: Ryan is a purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, a self-taught chef, and has a knack for making movies and short films!
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