Big Sister Kassie & Little Sister Makenzy

Meet Big Sister Kassie and Little Sister Makenzy who have been matched for over a year now!

Big Sister Kassie and Little Sister Makenzy first met in October 2022 through our Site-Based School Buddies program and have been meeting up for their weekly lunches in the cafeteria ever since.

A Little Bit Nervous

Little Makenzy, chatty and fun-loving, was so excited to finally get a Big Sister! Although she says she didn’t quite know what being matched would look like, she had seen Big Brothers Big Sisters online and had a few ideas for what she was looking for in a Big. When envisioning what it would be like, she saw herself getting along with someone loving and caring. Not to mention, they had to like playing games, doing crafts, and stuffed animals (obviously!). This may sound like a tall order to fill, but soon her dreams would be answered.

However, when the day finally came to meet her Big Sister, Makenzy couldn’t help but feel “nervous” that she would “ruin the chances of having a Big Sister.” But her fears were quickly put to rest when Kassie walked in the room.

A combination of “nervous,” “excited,” and “eager to meet her,” Kassie was the perfect Big, probably because she has experience! After learning about Big Brothers Big Sisters from her friends, she decided to become a Big herself in 2017. Her match ended before Covid-19 shut down schools, and, as with most things, the pandemic threw a wrench in her plans to get rematched. Finally, in 2022, Kassie rejoined as a Big during our recruitment campaign.

When asked what motivated her to become a Big Sister, Kassie said she wanted “to make a difference in a child’s life, giving them that one-on-one time that they may not get at home or in school.”

Becoming Friends

When Makenzy met Kassie, she knew right away that she checked all the boxes! The girls soon learned everything they have in common with each other and how much they would enjoy their match! According to Kassie, they “share the love for all things tiny” like Polly Pockets. And Makenzy made sure to show her stuffed animal off right away.

Makenzy says, “The things that we have in common is pretty much that we both like manners.” She attributes her own love of manners to her Big Sister’s guidance: “She likes to teach me lots of manners…saying ‘excuse me,’ ‘please,’ ‘thank you.’ Also, she teaches me how to eat properly.”

Together, this match likes to play games over their lunch period, along with working on whatever schoolwork Makenzy hasn’t finished yet. They also make sure to talk about Makenzy’s BIG goals!

Big Goals and Big Accomplishments

Makenzy has both personal and educational goals this upcoming school year. First, she wants to get focused when it comes to school, and she says she is already “halfway there” on that goal. Kassie would have to agree, too.

“She has done better in school; her grades have gone up. She is more engaged,” says Kassie. “Some days she would rather do her i-Ready than play board games.”

Second, she also wants to create more friendships. For this, Kassie had a few words of encouragement to share.

“You are an amazing little girl, and I am so proud of you,” said Kassie. “You are doing great in school, and keep building those friendships.”

Why YOU Should Be a Big or Little Too

Both believe that their time in Big Brothers Big Sisters has been more than worth it, leaving their lives changed for the better. For Makenzy, this is by having a “trustworthy” friend. Kassie agrees, saying, “We have built a special friendship bond/trust that I do not have with anyone else.”

Whether it’s improved grades, better manners, or just having someone to talk to, a mentorship impacts both the Big and the Little, leaving them more supported and fulfilled than before. Mentorships have a profound impact on youth. Having a role model or a mentor can make all the difference to children who may not have one at home or may need a little extra guidance.

“And I would say to them that it is really comforting having someone there for you that you can feel trustworthy with, and you can create a special bond with them. And that they should definitely try it,” said Makenzy on why people should become or have a mentor.

As Kassie says, “Do it. Be the mentor you wanted as a kid. Make a difference!”

Will you take the challenge of being 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.