Little Sister Jayda waited for eight (8) months to be paired with her Big Sister Lauren. When we first met Jayda, her mother described her as being talkative, active, sensitive, and smart. Jayda enjoys riding her bike, climbing trees, staying active with her siblings, reading, watching movies, and going out to eat. Jayda shared with us that she wanted a Big Sister with whom she could have fun and do activities. Jayda’s mother hoped to find a mentor for her daughter who could help her with her communication skills and to gain independence and confidence.

Big Sister Lauren wanted to be a mentor in our program because she had been working with kids for most of her life. She expressed that she loves being with kids and wanted to make an impact on the life of a child who needed it. Lauren shared that her parents have been the most significant people in her life, and she has learned a lot from them, not only from the lessons they taught her, but also from seeing them make and grow from their own mistakes.

Fast forward, and Lauren and Jayda have been matched for just over three (3) years! The pair’s first outing was a walk along King Street in downtown Charleston where they went to the Christmas Market and made cards and decorations at a local coffee shop. The duo shares quite a few common interests and hobbies including a love for reading, being outdoors, enjoying ice-cream and sour candy, and trying new restaurants. Their favorite outings together include going to the beach, watching movies, visiting the library, doing yoga, and trying out different restaurants.

When we asked Lauren about the potential she sees in her Little Sister, she responded, “Being in a caretaking role for her siblings, a role of independence and strength, a role where she is the model for academic success, and a role as a middle child... those all make Jayda who she is. She is learning so much as well by living through this strange COVID period. All of these things make her extremely intelligent, kind, considerate, a little introspective, strong, and promising. I can't wait to see what she does and becomes. I hope that I give her the space to become her own self, but also some guidance to look up to if she gets confused along the way. I try to make sure she knows everything is possible, whether she likes reading or science, sports or yoga, food or video games, friendships or even the beginnings of crushes and heartbreak. I see her using her skills to her advantage and becoming exactly what she wants to be.”

Even though Lauren’s job has had her in and out of the country for more than a year, Lauren is persistent about communicating virtually with her Jayda and to making time for her when she is stateside. Lauren was asked to share what impact this has had on their match and she expressed, “I definitely think the distance has made our relationship stronger. I think it has given her some ideas for her future. She seems really interested in traveling now that she hears stories from me, and she has also broadened her tastebuds by trying new foods like calamari and cauliflower. I think being together in person is best, but we've stayed strong over the distance which gives me hope for the future when we might have to be apart again, like when she goes away for college.” Big Sister Lauren shared, “being a part of [Jayda’s] life has changed my own and it's only the beginning. I look forward to being her Big through high school, first dates, sports games, college essays, all of it. I can’t wait.”

Jayda’s mother expressed that, “the connection between the two has been fantastic. Jayda has come out of her shell more and [is] being more outspoken about her needs.” When asked about what she has gained from becoming Jayda’s mentor, she expressed, “I've gained a deeper appreciation for connection with others, not just Jayda. I think it's easy to get caught up in your own world, your own problems, and forget that everyone else is learning and growing and making mistakes and craving a friend. Jayda has enabled me to think back on what made my own childhood special and what I would have wanted when I was her age and I try to be that for her. I've gained a passion for helping support and inspire others in my own life and I hope one day she knows how much she has taught me.” Jayda shared why she enjoys spending time with Lauren, stating that, “Lauren is fun to hang around because she teaches me different things.”