Big Brother Nicholas J. Mendola

Talk Show Host WECK 1230 AM

Who Mentored You?
The reason I became a Big Brother is the man who made me a big brother. As much as I'd love to wax poetic about an English teacher, soccer coach or priest, the jovial radio host or the gruff one, my father has been the inexorable influence in my life. Salvatore Mendola II -- Sam, not Sal -- taught me that "first we work and then we play," a credo that plagued my two sisters, brother and me growing up but put us down the right path.

What did this person do that inspired, helped or encouraged you?
"Pops" was the guy who pointed out what I did right when I felt I had a poor outing on the ice and the one who never let me get too high after a big hit or rare goal. My mother and he taught me that music was not only the serious stuff I loved from Otis Redding and Bruce Springsteen, but the fun of eluding "tickle bugs" while being chased around the house by a man singing Sam the Sham's "Wooly Bully" at the top of his lungs.

More importantly, Pops never quit on me. Not when I was barely making grades in college in the hopes of being a rock and roll star, not when I was wasting my time on the wrong girl nor being belligerent while trying to figure out how to be a grown man. He's always loved my mom and family. He treats people right and works his tail off.

What would you say if you could thank this person today?
When my son Asher was born late this year, sharing that moment with my dad was special. I know it will continue it to be salient, and hopefully his grandson will provide the "thank you" I don't always remember to give.

The fact that any kid wouldn't have the guidance I did moves me in ways a sporting event never could. Sharing the lessons and laughs my dad gave me has been one of the best parts of being a Big Brother. Thanks, Pops. I love you.

You've been thinking about getting involved. Now that you know how easy it is and the importance of volunteering, Why not apply to be a Big today?