Big Sister Kathy and Little Sister Brooklyn
Meet Big Sister Kathy and Little Sister Brooklyn who have been matched for over 3 years now!
Big Sister Kathy and Little Sister Brooklyn first met in August 2021 through our Community-Based mentoring program and have been exploring Fort Wayne, enjoying the fine arts, and celebrating Christmas traditions together ever since.
Signing Up
Before getting matched, Brooklyn remembers feeling awkward and nervous around people, and this led her to shy away from talking. Making matters worse, quarantine was in full-swing, deepening the introversion she felt. In 2021, her mom encouraged her to give Big Brothers Big Sisters a try, hoping that Brooklyn would get a chance to put herself out there.
Being a teacher, Kathy knew about BBBS from her students who were Littles and from the School Buddies program. Although she had considered becoming a Big, she had never committed to it, fearing that her full-time work as a teacher—along with three part-time jobs!—would prevent her from giving her time. But eventually, she looked into it and signed up.
“I saw how much these children looked forward to spending time with their Big. The kids felt special,” she explained.
When the time came for them to be matched, the two realized they knew each other! Kathy had been a teacher at Brooklyn’s school, and the two had probably passed each other in the hallways countless times. Brooklyn described their first meeting as “nerve-wracking,” and she remained quiet for their first few outings. However, with time, their relationship began to grow.
“I was really, really shy the first couple of times, but now we have never-ending conversations, like we can just talk about so many subjects, like we never run out of stuff to talk about!” said Brooklyn.
Almost 4 years later, the two are now comfortable and genuine friends. Their conversations can now be as carefree or as serious as they want.
“Hanging with Brooklyn was and is natural. I feel at ease around her. She is in many ways a younger version of me,” said Kathy.
Two Peas in a Pod
You might not think that two people born more than 50 years apart would have a lot in common, but Kathy and Brooklyn certainly do!
“She is quite mature, has a sound mind and high morals. My goofiness and sense of humor make me seem younger and show how fun-loving I am,” said Kathy, explaining why their friendship just works.
First off, their favorite animal is a giraffe, and there is nothing the pair finds cuter than miniatures and dollhouse items! They also both feel right at home in front of a stage, enjoying theater performances or ballets. This is something that Kathy took upon herself to introduce Brooklyn to, as an avid lover of the fine arts. She remembers the enchantment that lit up Brooklyn’s face the first time she watched a ballet with her Big Sister. Kathy reacted the same way when seeing own her first ballet, and that moment remains one of her favorite memories with her Little.
Merry Match Traditions
One of the things Brooklyn has learned from her Big Sister is just how many fun things there are to do right in her own backyard! The two love to explore Fort Wayne, and Brooklyn has visited cool new places she never knew existed. Together, they enjoy fine chocolates at DeBrand’s or a trip to Starbucks. Touring the Botanical Conservatory or the Museum of Art will always lift their spirits. However, their favorite things to do together take place at the end of the year.
As the temperatures drop and the first winds of winter sweep over Indiana, many loathe the impending winter months ahead. But Kathy and Brooklyn get excited for the Christmas season that follows. Per tradition, every year the match partakes in many seasonal attractions such as Christmas and the Castle from St. Francis University, holiday train rides, Blue Jacket’s Fantasy of Lights, Festival of Trees at the Embassy, Tin Caps’ Holiday Lights, and—of course—the Nutcracker.
When asked her favorite memory with her Big, Brooklyn said, “Literally every time I’m with her, honestly! I can’t even think of a memory cause we have so many good memories!”
Conversations and Close Friends
Their match has given both Kathy and Brooklyn an extra caring and supportive friend. According to Brooklyn, the two can share and relate to each other’s doubts and worries, which allows them to feel closer.
Over the years, Brooklyn has gotten out of her shell, now much more willing and able to talk to people. She’s also learned from her Big’s caring nature, taught to find joy in the little things of life.
“She helps me a lot and makes me look on the brighter side of things sometimes, and she changes my perspective about a lot,” said Brooklyn.
Kathy is always happy to be there for her Little as a friend and someone outside the family to turn to, as well as someone to have deep conversations with. Although she has always been independent and enjoyed doing things by herself, having a Little has allowed Kathy to share different experiences with another person. A trip to Chicago and travelling is next up on this match’s bucket list.
“She has made a huge impact on my life,” said Kathy. “She is up for almost anything and adds something extra to my life that I didn’t even realize I needed! We have such a great time together.”
As Brooklyn gets older, her “intelligent and on-top-of-it” Big Sister encourages her to shoot for the stars. This mature and thoughtful Little is considering a career as a therapist—which her Big knows she’d be great at—and thinks she might take a gap year before starting towards that goal. No matter what’s next, Brooklyn knows she will have a cheerleader by her side.
“When I look to our future, I see Brooklyn as a close friend. We have a bond that started through BBBS but will remain forever,” Kathy shared.
Be Big!
Although it may seem daunting, as it did for Little Sister Brooklyn, giving BBBS a shot is well worth the fear you might feel from signing up.
“Like I said, I was introverted. I feel like I really didn’t go out in public a lot. So, when I got matched with Kathy, it just really put me out there, and it gave me somebody that I could look up to and trust,” explained Brooklyn. “I think every kid needs someone that they can look up to, especially someone that they can go and talk to.”
Want to know about this year’s recruitment campaign? Click here. Want to learn more about volunteering? Read about our volunteer programs here.