Big Sister Tena & Little Sister Shaye
Meet Big Sister Tena & Little Sister Shaye who have been matched for 8 years now!
Big Sister Tena & Little Sister Shaye first met in August 2016 and have been bowling, laughing, and meeting up ever since.
Match Meet-Up
“Very boring. I didn’t have anything to do,” said Shaye, describing her life when she met her Big Sister. “I felt happy because I had someone else that I could hang out with.”
Luckily, having a Big Sister was just the right way to put some fun into her life and allow her to get out and do things!
When Tena signed up, she questioned whether or not she would actually be a good Big. Always busy with her kids and grandchildren, Tena didn’t think she had the time or ability to be there for another child. However, when Ashley Robertson, told her that she would be a great Big, Tena decided to take a leap of faith and sign up!
“That was the big thing. I just wanted to make sure that I was going to be the person who could make a difference in her life,” Tena said.
Tena has advice for people who are also concerned about whether or not they have enough time to be a Big:
“You may look at your life and say, ‘I don’t have the time.’ But you will be surprised how you are able to make the time to spend with these kids and what a big difference you’ll make in their lives. When you do, it changes your life, and you have a forever friend once you start into this,” said Tena.
Together is Best
“At first, I was a little scared, but then when we started talking about stuff, she matched my energy,” said Shaye. This best describes Tena and Shaye’s mentorship. This outdoorsy and athletic duo first bonded over their shared love of hiking, four-wheelers, and especially sports. Soon the two would be having a blast at laser tag, mini golf, watching sports together, and at arcades. Some of their favorite memories together take place swimming and riding coasters at Cedar Point, traversing the trails at Jelly Stone, and staying overnight with friends on Mackinac Island.
However, one of their go-to activities that always gets them talking, laughing, and competing is bowling. Shaye is still working on trying to beat her Big Sister, who competes on a bowling team—to no avail so far. These kinds of activities allow the two to catch up on each other’s daily lives since the last time they met. Although their match had a slow start, the two are now closer than ever.
“I didn’t really talk the first time we met. We got to know each other, and now we’re just super talkative and very close. She always comes to my games and supports me in softball and basketball,” said Shaye.
Tena is very proud of her Little Sister’s hard work and dedication to softball, which paid off when she was added to the team as a freshman.
Always Supportive
When Tena and middle schooler Shaye first met, Tena immediately remembered the struggles she went through at that age, helping her connect with Shaye. Tena understood what it felt like to struggle with school, making her a good listening ear for when Shaye needed to talk to someone.
“She made me realize that I could help other kids out there. Yeah, I raised my own kids, and I’ve helped with my grandkids, but there are other Littles out there that need somebody willing to listen to them and help them out when they need help,” said Tena, who believes that this made her into a better person.
When asked what her favorite part of their friendship is, Shaye said, “Just knowing that she’s always there for me.”
“She’s very kind, nice, and she always cares. Yeah, always. She never fails to make me laugh,” Shaye described.
Tena has tried to impart lessons and reminders that will help her Little Sister as she chases her dreams. Her Big Sisterly advice was that no one else has the power to make or break her dreams. Shaye could do whatever she put her mind to out of her own strength. As a reminder to follow her dreams no matter what, Tena gifted Shaye a Lego set of the movie Up, which has a similar message.
“Always be determined to do what you want. You can accomplish it, and it may take a while to do it, but stay with the plan, and you will,” said Tena.
A Big Future Ahead
For Tena, it has been rewarding to see how her Little is growing up, now planning and thinking about her future. Shaye has big plans and goals, including an interest in sports scholarships and college. Shaye also shared that her current goals are to get all As and break the home run record at her school.
“I love seeing her developing into the person that I knew she could be,” Tena said.
Although life is busier for Shaye, she doesn’t think anything could come between them, saying, “Even if we stop being in Big Brothers Big Sisters—I think we would still be close and in touch.”
What Mentorship Means
“If they don’t have someone to talk to, Bigs are always there for you when you need someone. Or if they need to go somewhere and get out of the house because something’s happening, they can always go out with their Big,” said Little Sister Shaye, describing why having a mentor is great for kids and teens.
Tena reassures anyone worried about mentorship that you will also be supported every step of the way, whether through providing Match Activities or communicating with both sides of the match. This has helped Tena focus on the best part of mentorship: helping a child see a future beyond what they used to.
“I feel that every child needs somebody to look up to, to be able to communicate with. If they’re not getting it at home, they need somebody, so any child would benefit from a Big,” said Tena.
Want to know more ways to get involved? Click here. Want to talk about volunteer opportunities? Reach out to BBBS here.
