Meet Big Sister Morgynn and Little Sister Isabelle, who will be matched for 4 years, as of this April.
Match Up
Morgynn first learned about Big Brothers Big Sisters through her boyfriend’s mom, Tammy Smith. Long before she began working as the Director of Community Development for Kosciusko, Tammy mentored her own Little, sparking Morgynn’s idea to join and get matched in April of 2022. She had always loved kids, and if there was a way to improve just a bit of their lives, she knew she’d be happy.
As Morgynn waited in a café to meet her Little for the first time, thoughts swirled through her mind. Would her Little like her? Would her big personality come off too strong?
In walked Little Sister Isabelle, a quiet elementary schooler wearing a mask due to COVID restrictions. At only six years old, she felt shy meeting someone new but was happy to see how nice her soon-to-be Big looked. Morgynn was curious to find out how well they’d get along, not considering herself quiet at all.
Morgynn tried not to rush their friendship, letting Isabelle open up in her own time. Soon, she began to see her Little’s talkative, funny personality shine through. Isabelle’s initially reserved behavior gave way to a more confident attitude.
“I used to be really shy, and I wouldn't really talk much,” said Isabelle. “Now I open up to her, and I'm able to tell her what I'm feeling.”
Big Fun!
Over the 4 years they’ve been matched, the two have bonded over many meals, whether trying new restaurants or cooking at Morgynn’s house. Isabelle’s favorite memory takes place at the bowling alley, not just because it’s fun to strike down the pins, but because, in between turns, there is so much talking and laughter. They attend Big Brothers Big Sisters Match Activities, too, like a cookie-decorating day that Isabelle remembers being super fun.
On a sunny day, perfect for chalk drawing, Morgynn and Isabelle set out to create chalk portraits of each other, and neither picture was what the other expected. Isabelle joked that Morgynn’s drawing of her looked like a 30-year-old wannabe celebrity. When Morgynn looked over at her own portrait, it was herself as a clown (her Halloween costume)!
Little moments like these sum up the pair’s relationship perfectly: exciting, talkative, and full of fun. Knowing this, Isabelle doesn’t care what they do together; she’s just happy to spend time together.
“I really just like spending time with her, and I'm fine with whatever when I’m with her,” said Isabelle.
Isabelle’s mom agrees that just spending time together has been a great positive for her daughter.
“Isabelle gets to get out and get that one-on-one time,” she said. “I have five girls, so she might not be able to always get that here at the house, so I think that makes her feel really good.”
Growing Together
Her Little’s sociable nature is not the only change Morgynn has seen since they were matched. When the two were first matched, Isabelle struggled a bit in math and reading. Now, the ten-year-old hits her marks in these classes, if not excelling. Not too long ago, Isabelle was even named Student of the Month for helping around the school, a recognition she is proud of.
“Over the last year, she's really become more of her own person and grown into her own personality,” said Morgynn. “It's been really cool to watch her shift into more of her own person, and she's more comfortable with herself and more confident.”
Morgynn noticed these changes through the little moments together, like when they worked a lemonade stand for BBBS. This Big Sister feels honored to be along for the ride, watching her Little do her own thing and grow into her personality.
Switching schools brings lots of changes to navigate, and when Isabelle had to begin somewhere new, Morgynn tried to be a supportive friend and help her adjust. She advised her Little on how to make new friends and find her place at a new school. If you stay true to yourself, the right people will find you.
Morgynn also emphasized keeping stress in perspective: the things you worry about now won’t matter as much in 5 years or even 5 minutes from now.
“She's really kind to me, and she helps me with stuff sometimes, and she's just an amazing person,” said Isabelle.
Isabelle credits her Big Sister for teaching her other lessons—like how nobody is perfect and what matters is that we all try hard. She took this lesson to heart, saying that her Big helped her to open up and to try her best.
“I really hope that she can continue to be in my life and be part of my family for as long as we can. And I hope that I can impact her as a good role model for her future as well. I just really want to see her succeed and do well in life,” said Morgynn.
Isabelle isn’t the only one who has changed over the years of being matched. Morgynn recognizes the changes in her own life from being a mentor. Hanging out with Isabelle is easy —especially with how strong, funny, and caring she is—and Morgynn knows that this has helped her keep a positive perspective on life. She’s a little kid with a BIG heart and a great attitude.
“I think that she's a great reminder every time I'm with her of how to be a good person in general. And I think that she's really rubbing off on me in that way,” said Morgynn. “Seeing how grateful and positive she is just for, even like, the small things has made a huge difference on me.”
Be Big!
Mentorship adds new learning moments and opportunities for growth to Bigs’ and Littles’ lives. Plus, for lucky Bigs and Littles, you’ll have a new friend for life.
“I love her, and I always will,” said Isabelle.
Morgynn attests to the changes she has undergone, saying her perspective has grown and her heart has opened up more.
“I love her, and I'm grateful that she is my little, and I cannot picture my life without her… So, I hope she knows that I'm very grateful and appreciative of her,” said Morgynn.
You could be part of the BBBS family, too. Learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters by visiting www.bbbsnei.org or calling 260-456-1600.
Check out Morgynn and Isabelle's vlog from 3 years ago here:
