Big Sister Kate & Little Sister Claribel
Meet Big Sister Kate and Little Sister Claribel who have been matched for over 7 years now!
Big Sister Kate and Little Sister Claribel first met in December 2016 through our Community-Based mentoring program and have been matched ever since.
Let’s Start at the Very Beginning
Things were a lot different back when Kate and Claribel first met. For starters, Claribel was a shy 4th-grader, prone to hiding behind her mom. Confused about what getting a Big Sister meant, she didn’t realize that it was a program and was nervous about meeting a strange adult.
Kate, a single and active young adult, was also nervous to meet her Little, but excited to join Big Brothers Big Sisters again. A childhood friend of hers had a Big Sister, and this was a transformative experience not only for her friend but for Kate too.
“That Sister welcomed us friends into her home as well, and there was such a difference in the care, compassion, and encouragement I saw my friend receive, and it impacted me as the friend,” said Kate. “I knew I had a heart for mentoring.”
After first joining as a College Mentor, Kate was ready to get back into the program post-college.
Despite both being nervous about meeting each other, the two instantly got along at their first activity of decorating Christmas cookies, watching a holiday movie, and snacking on popcorn. They quickly realized everything they have in common with each other—a love of baking, crafting, and painting—and their mentorship soon began to feel like a real sister relationship.
“I feel like she’s like my actual sister,” said Claribel. “Some days I forget that she’s not my sister. I feel like she’s known me my entire life.”
A BIG Moment
This real sister relationship is again shown through one pivotal moment in this match’s journey: when Claribel became Kate’s junior bridesmaid.
“She came over to my house, and she gave me a box. I think it was a Christmas present,” said Claribel, “and she wanted me to be her bridesmaid at her wedding, one of the junior bridesmaids.”
Now, Claribel is going into her senior year, and Kate is married with children (whom Claribel views as her niece and nephew). Despite Claribel soon graduating from high school and the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, the two say that it won’t change anything for them because they are like family now.
“She has become like family, and I will cry when she graduates! I take her sister out on some outings together as well and my kids with us sometimes. Her mom and I talk regularly, and they have become my family!” said Kate.
They have been by each other’s side through many life changes like going from middle to high school and getting married and having children. Life is busier lately, with Claribel about to graduate, but even when it is harder to meet up as often, their sisterhood will remain strong.
“I got to see her get married to her husband and just see her grow from there… plus the memory of meeting her first child when she was a baby,” said Claribel about all the changes she’s seen in Kate’s life.
As for Kate, she can’t believe the way Claribel has grown from when they first met.
“For Claribel, she was the shy, oldest sibling, and her parents wanted a rounded experience for her,” said Kate. “That shy turned to courage, that turned to confidence, and that is inspiring.”
Claribel’s Future
Having grown into a confident and purposeful young woman, Claribel has a vision for her future which began with inspiration from her Big Sister.
“She is my inspiration for who I want to be. I want to be the person who wants to be out in the community,” said Claribel. “I want to work with kids, too, so that I can be there for their life and be their supporter. And she inspires me to make a difference in the world.”
After joining Unified Sports, which provides engaging sports activities for youth with and without special needs, Claribel soon realized her calling. After graduating from high school next spring, she wants to become a special education teacher to support children who need an extra helping hand.
“Little growth has led to a big change from my shy 4th grader to my passionate senior in high school,” said Kate about Claribel’s journey figuring out life after high school. “This. This was my most proud moment. Where I began to see her blossom, and I am so proud!”
“I know I have said it, but she may not grasp it~ that I am truly, beyond proud of the young woman she has grown to become!” she continued.
It Takes a Village
After being in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program for years, they now both recommend it to parents, children, and adults alike. Claribel emphasizes that the support she received from her Big Sister was more than helpful to her growing up and that having a role model helped steer her on the right path toward figuring out her life calling.
“Not including my family, if I have a number supporter out there, she would be one,” said Claribel. “She is my inspiration and my favorite role model to look up to.”
Kate encourages parents and adults to consider the program and its benefits to children and teens who need extra support during the confusion that comes with growing up.
“I think it is okay to recognize that parenting takes a village. I recognize that as a mother of two now,” said Kate. “Take a leap of faith! You never know the impact you can have on your match or the impact they will have on you.”
Will you take the challenge of becoming an Everyday Hero?
Wanting to make a difference? Learn more about volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters here. Wanting to take the next step? Start the application process here.
