PregChex

Elementary school-age "little buddy" with social anxiety problems?

Hi!

I’m part of the "One on One" program at my school, in which a high schooler (that’s me :]) is paired up with an elementary or middle schooler whose teachers or parents think she could be helped in some way or another by having a big buddy.
This is my first year in the program, so I don’t know much about the details except that once a week I’m going to spend about half an hour with my little buddy, a 4th grade girl, on Fridays during her lunch and recess.

What I’m worried about is this: my little buddy is part of the program because she has social anxiety and difficulties getting involved in conversations and playing with other kids. The counselor said I was chosen to be this girl’s big buddy because I have a very positive attitude, but I’m really nervous because I have some social anxiety problems of my own. (I’m bad at jumping in on conversations and usually end up being the one who’s not part of the group and just kind of stands awkwardly on the edge of the conversation because I don’t know how to join in…) I’ve been getting better, this year especially, but I don’t know how or why, so I have no advice for my buddy, and I’m still not fully over it.

What should I do to help my little buddy with her social anxiety when I have the same sort of troubles?

:] thanks!