Big Sister Marissa & Little Sister Bridghid
Meet Big Sister Marissa and Little Sister Bridghid, who have been matched for 7 years now!
Big Sister Marissa and Little Sister Bridghid first met in October 2017 through our Community-Based mentoring program.
Finally, a Sister!
Growing up without a sister of her own, Marissa yearned for a sisterly bond, someone who wanted to hang out and do fun things with her. Because of this, she “felt this pull” to join an organization like Big Brothers Big Sisters. Marissa finally decided to take the leap and join after listening to someone from BBBS speak at her church.
“What I really just appreciated was that there was no objective other than to spend your time with someone else,” explained Marissa. “They’re not asking for anything other than to just show genuine interest in this other human, which is something everybody wants in this world, to have people surrounded by them who care about them.”
Bridghid, on the other hand, wasn’t sure what BBBS was all about, but she was “excited” about “having another good relationship” in her life.
Meet-up Moment
Marissa and Bridghid had opposite experiences with their first meet-up. Marissa was nervous. She had a million questions swirling in her head when it was finally time to meet Bridghid and her mom: “What would she think of me? Would she be disappointed? What would her mom think of me? Would she approve of me being in her daughter’s life?”
Bridghid, on the other hand, felt very “comfortable” when she met Marissa for the first time. Soon, Marissa’s worries would be replaced with excitement as she learned how Bridghid “genuinely wanted to hang out.”
Thus began their match journey together.
Good Food with Good People
The two quickly discovered they both enjoyed a variety of creative activities. Their favorite activity soon became pottery painting, and it continues to be even today.
However, Marissa soon realized that Bridghid would say “yes” to doing just about any activity, just to make Marissa happy. Now, Marissa is proud that her Little Sister feels comfortable enough with her to be herself, saying “no” to things she isn’t interested in and even suggesting ideas for them to do.
“She’s gotten a lot more comfortable being even more of her authentic self with me and sharing her thoughts and feelings in a way that she hadn’t when we first were matched because she was young and still learning about herself,” said Marissa.
“Much more comfortable. Of course, it was comfortable at first, but as you get to know someone more, that deep connection forms,” said Bridghid, describing how their relationship has changed over the years.
Together, they still go on pottery painting outings, walk around Target, go out for sushi, watch movies, and celebrate each other’s accomplishments.
“We always just hang out, and we eat good food. That’s my favorite thing, eating good food with good company,” said Bridghid.
“She’s developed her own personality. It’s been very cool to see that transform from when we were first matched. And I do believe like she’s being authentically herself, which is the best thing anyone could ever be,” said Marissa.
Challenges and Changes
Although much of their lives have changed since being matched, Marissa is glad her relationship with Bridghid has only grown and adapted.
Since being matched, Marissa has had a baby, and she has only seen grace and flexibility from her Little Sister to such a big change. Marissa recalls one instance where her husband was sick and couldn’t watch their son. Marissa offered to reschedule their outing, but Bridghid was happy to let Marissa’s son join in on the fun. This moment, seeing Bridghid chase her son around the playset, became one of Marissa’s fondest memories.
“She’s just very engaged and very kind, and she doesn’t feel any resentment towards the change that happened,” explained Marissa.
Marissa, in turn, has adapted to her Little’s newfound busy schedule as a high schooler and athlete.
“We just go with the flow. Life happens. We’re rolling with it,” said Bridghid.
One of Marissa’s favorite memories was going to Bridghid’s mom’s wedding. Although she and her Little were not together every moment, it was a unique and joyful experience. As they keep growing up, they know they’ll keep adapting, and their friendship will continue to evolve through it all.
Two Peas in a Pod
“I have just known her for so long. I’m like, ‘Oh, yeah, we’re just so close.’ You know?” said Bridghid. “We’re tight. Two peas in a pod.”
After all these years, Bridghid and Marissa feel closer than ever despite their lives having changed significantly since they were first matched. Although she knows her Little can handle anything and seldom gets fazed, Marissa still tries to support her through whatever life throws her.
“She’s always there whenever I need it or with whatever’s going on,” said Bridghid.
“I’ve made it very clear how much I care about her and how much I’m happy to be there for her and support her in being who she is. She has a lot of strong women in her life, and I’m just lucky to be a part of that tribe for her,” shared Marissa.
Being a Big
“I think that everyone wants to be heard, and for a child to have an adult in their life who truly hears them and truly sees them is empowering and self-esteem raising. From any background, any walk of life, that is a commonality, and I think that it is so cool to be able to be a part of that for somebody else,” said Marissa.
Being a Big creates unique and lasting memories and friendships unlike any other. However, volunteering as a Big Brother or Big Sister isn’t the only way you can help children in our program. Consider hosting a presentation—where we come to your workplace, place of worship, or group. Or inviting us to a Lunch N’ Learn—where we take you out to eat with a few of your friends to share our mission!
With your help, we can find volunteers to match with children on our waitlist, who are just looking for another friend in their life.
But if this is the right time in your life, consider becoming a Big!
“I’ve never met anyone who has regretted being a Big in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Only positive things can come from it,” stated Marissa.
“It’s just a great friendship and a really good connection. It’s like another family member,” shared Bridghid.
Want to know more ways to get involved? Click here. Ready to volunteer? Click here.
