Big Sister Missy and Little Sister Keylee
Meet Big Sister Missy and Little Sister Keylee, who have been matched for 10 years now. This Big and Little first met in March 2016 through the site-based School Buddies program. A decade later, Keylee is a high school senior, ready to embark on a new journey.
As an employee of Indiana Physical Therapy, Missy was no stranger to hearing about Big Brothers Big Sisters. The company has been a longstanding partner of the nonprofit, so when BBBS came to present at a work meeting, it was not out of the ordinary. However, this time, one of the presenters was a former athlete she had worked with as the athletic trainer at Bishop Luers High School. Their interaction encouraged Missy to become a School Buddy, fitting into her schedule perfectly.
Before being encouraged to join School Buddies, Missy had lost her husband to cancer. She had been looking for ways to volunteer, and enrolling in the program felt like a new chapter in her life. BBBS paired her with Little Sister Keylee, whose mother’s diagnosis led to her enrollment in the program.
Being so used to high schoolers, Missy was nervous about being matched with an elementary schooler, but she met the sweet second-grader, Keylee, and her worries washed away. When their first day to meet up was scheduled for the anniversary of Missy's husband’s passing, it seemed meant to be. Keylee was a little nervous to meet her School Buddy, but soon the pair bonded over their shared creativity.
Week after week, the School Buddies would play games, craft, and make “food craft” treats. After switching to the community-based program, the two continued their creative endeavors at Match Activities or on special occasions, at places like Painting Fun Spot. Their meetups resulted in many holiday decorations, such as snowman or spider web magnets, that still make appearances every year in Missy’s home.
Once, at Keylee’s request, BBBS held a karaoke night for matches. It was a blast, and Keylee made sure her Big wouldn’t leave without giving it a shot, too. Although Missy thinks she probably embarrassed herself, it turned into one of her favorite memories of being matched—especially getting to see her Little put herself out there.
Missy also got to see her Little quite often, as Keylee’s best friend happened to be Missy’s neighbor. Her Big Sister soon became a trusted adult in Keylee’s life, different from a parent or teacher. Most of all, this time in their match was a welcome relief from stress.
“Sometimes, I didn't feel like talking about how I felt or my issues or anything. She would help distract me ‘cause a lot of times when I'm upset or something, I just need a distraction so I can calm myself down,” said Keylee.
When Keylee’s parents passed, Missy became someone to confide in and learn from, as well. Before that point, Missy hadn’t talked about the loss of her husband, but she began to share advice on how to handle her family situation, stay safe, and adapt. Keylee remembers being walked through different ways of managing her emotions.
“She gave me an example of somebody who went through a similar thing that I did. I kind of had somebody to look up to in a way—like she got through that, so I know I can,” shared Keylee.
Missy wanted to continue being a good role model during this time, joining several service projects with Keylee, such as shopping for donations to a church food pantry. She wanted her Little to remember that even in heartache, you can still do good in the world—and experience good things, too. Missy finds it a privilege to have witnessed her Little’s growth in confidence, putting herself out there and surrounding herself with good people. Each year, she looks forward to seeing the school plays Keylee joins, witnessing her change from only wanting a few lines to trying out for the lead.
“It’s insane to see her grow, and the sweetness and kindness and always thinking about others have remained all the way through,” said Missy.
When Keylee asked Missy to write her a letter of recommendation for a scholarship, Missy had no trouble finding the words to say. She watched her Little navigate her loss with grace, maturity, and wisdom beyond her years. There were many times she didn’t feel like a mentor at all, listening to her Little’s self-awareness and the way she adapted.
“She's always been there for me if I needed anything; she would listen to my problems about school or personal life or anything,” Keylee explained. “I could just trust that I could tell her anything that I needed to, if I didn't feel comfortable talking to other people about it. She would care about whatever I was talking about and try to help me through however she could.”
This high school senior’s main focus right now is staying on track in school, already on her way to receiving a general education associate’s degree, which will help her as she pursues higher education. Keylee plans to study art education, and she has already been accepted to college. Even when no longer in the program, she’s sure Missy will remain a caring and trusted adult she can turn to—and most of all, a friend.
“I'm incredibly proud of her, and she has blessed my life more than she realizes. Watching her grow up and mature has just been so amazing, and I'm incredibly proud of her,” said Missy, who believes Keylee will be wonderful at impacting young lives through teaching.
Watching how beautifully Keylee handled growing up, especially being in a whole new world full of technology, gives Missy hope. Her experience impacting another person’s life without being a parent also inspired her to get involved in her community in other ways, like through the DSANI Buddy Walk, Gigi’s Playhouse, and support group ministry services.
“Try it out, if you're even remotely considering it,” said Missy. “It will be a little nerve-wracking in the beginning if you're not used to kids, but ten years have flown by, and it's been a really, really good experience.”
Keylee reminisces on the very first days they were matched. With no set place to meet up at the school, often the School Buddy pair would move to a different classroom each visit, getting to know each other and having fun along the way. She compares those days to now: no matter where life takes them, their bond will stay the same.
