3L encourages others to help children in need
— By Lori Craig
They may not be blood relatives, but third-year USC Law student Evan Fieldman and “little brother” 9-year-old Simon over the past year have forged a relationship that is cherished by both.
Fieldman and Simon were introduced through Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters Los Angeles, an organization that provides mentoring to local children, most of them from single-parent homes.
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| 3L Fieldman, right, with little brother Simon at a recent movie premier |
The pair meet up twice a month to go to museums, sporting events, or just hang out. This month, celebrating their first anniversary as “big” and “little,” Fieldman and Simon were invited to attend a movie premier at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, where they walked the red carpet.
“The little brothers and sisters are really proud that they have someone who’s there for them, someone they can talk to,” Fieldman said. “You’re a safe outlet for them. You’re not going to judge; you’re just there to listen and give advice.”
Fieldman benefits from the relationship, too.
“I began to manage my time better,” he said. “The experience has made me appreciate my life and the opportunities set forth for me.”
As a law student, Fieldman says being a big brother to a child in need keeps him grounded and allows him to give back some of the help he has received along the way.
“In the legal profession, there’s an emphasis on mentoring,” Fieldman said. “As law students, we’ve entered a profession we don’t know much about, and we quickly come to understand the necessity of mentoring because it’s imperative for us to be successful.”
Now, Fieldman, who has served as vice president of community service for the USC Jewish Law Students Association and a USC Law Student Ambassador, wants to get other law students — men and women alike — on board. He’s talking to law students and student organizations at USC and other Los Angeles schools, including UCLA and Loyola Marymount University, to share his experience and encourage others to mentor.
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| Simon and big brother Evan Fieldman |
Several students already have signed on. Zev Shechtman, 2L, was paired with his “little,” 8-year-old Mark, in August.
“Being a big brother appealed to me as an opportunity to have a meaningful impact on another person and to have fun at the same time,” Shechtman said. “As a second-year law student, I have more free time on my hands than I will ever have as a practicing attorney, so this year was an ideal time for me to become a mentor.”
Shechtman and Mark visited the beach, went bowling, hiked, and even played tag and Pokemon.
“It’s great to know that you can make a kid happy just by hanging out and having fun,” Shechtman said. “Since my initial meeting with Mark, he’s been open with me about everything that’s important to an 8-year-old, such as friends, family, school, Pokemon, etc.”
Big brother/big sister relationships can last years or even decades. For his part, Fieldman plans to continue hanging out with Simon twice a month when he joins the L.A. office of Paul, Hastings, Janofsky and Walker next year.
“My time with Simon has given me so much perspective in law school about what’s important in my career and the significance of maintaining ties to the community and Jewish life,” Fieldman said.
USC Law students interested in becoming a mentor through Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters may contact Evan Fieldman or visit the JBBBS web site. For information on Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, visit the web site.
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