Mentoring in Action - Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region

Big Sister Amy & Little Sister Zoe

Traditions, just like the changing seasons, can be very cyclical. For Big Sister Amy and Little Sister Zoe, their seasonal traditions cannot come soon enough. Every fall, since the pair was matched in 2018, Amy and Zoe make scented candles and carve detailed pumpkins. During the winter they can be found partaking in another tradition: ice skating. “It is something that we talk about and look forward to all year round,” shared an excited Zoe. “Some of our first memories together have now become our traditions. It brings me so much joy to watch her get excited for these activities,” Amy added.

These traditions was the catalyst that helped form a bond between two friends who, when they first met, worried they may not share a lot in common. “I was worried that we wouldn’t have all that much to talk about or wouldn’t share mutual interests,” admitted Amy. Once they found the things they did enjoy together, their friendship soared. “Amy is an excellent listener. When I share things about my life, she remembers them. We talk a lot about the wild animals that we see on our hikes, and she always remembers my favorite ones. I really like that about her,” commented Zoe. With the cold weather fast approaching you can be sure Amy and Zoe will have plenty animal talk to catch up on while ice skating this winter. (Matched August 2018)

Big Brother Paul & Little Brother Xaul

The hardwood has been a sanctuary for Big Brother Paul and Little Brother Xaul. Over the past six years the two have connected through the game of basketball and the discipline that it takes to better your craft. Whether they are just shooting around in an empty gym or going to games together, Paul and Xaul share a mutual love for the sport. “Paul is a good player. He has taught me some things to improve my game,” shared Xaul. “The best part is when he comes to see me play in games. I appreciate the support he gives me,” he continued.

But, for as much as basketball has had a positive impact on their relationship, the way that Xaul has matured into a bright young man is what brings Paul the most pride. “The way that he takes on the responsibility of looking out for his younger siblings shows what a great man he is becoming.

He has an explorer spirit to him and wants to share that with other constantly,” commented Paul. Even Xaul’s mother has noticed a difference in her son, sharing that he is more open and engaging with other people. “Sports are a great way to help young people mature. I am sure in Xaul’s case, the two are related,” concluded Paul. Don’t be surprised to see Xaul playing basketball in a gym near you! (Matched April 2015)

Big Sister Sophia & Little Sister Ja'Asia

Some things are worth the wait! When they were first matched, it took Big Sophie and Little Ja’Asia a while to find their groove. Many of their initial interactions were quiet and subdued. As they got to know each other, the pair began to trust the bond that was forming between them, and their relationship blossomed. “I have learned that showing Ja’Asia the respect I have for her and our friendship, enables her to open up to me. Ja'Asia is so intelligent and kind. I have enjoyed getting to know her,” shared Sophia.

Now, Sophia and Ja’Asia, could not imagine life without each other. Their conversations are easy and filled with laughter. You can always find these two good friends watching movies together and going on road trips in search of ice cream. “Sophia is so thoughtful and caring. Whenever we get ice cream, we talk and talk about so many different things. Those are some of my favorite memories,” shared Ja’Asia. (Matched May 2019)

Big Sister Taylor & Little Sister Aaleayha

Big Taylor and Little Aaleayha are best friends, and for Aaleayha it feels as if she has known Taylor her whole life. Their match came at the perfect time for Aaleayha because, “I really didn’t have many friends. We kept moving from place to place because we were either evicted or we couldn’t pay our bills,” she shared. Since then, the pair have had many adventures and have created many memories together, leading to a true friendship.

“I absolutely love having Aaleayha to talk to,” said Taylor. “I am an only child, and therefore, I didn't have a big or little sibling to play with or to do other things with. I like knowing that I'm making a difference for somebody else, and that she's making a difference in my life." Taylor added.

Taylor has seen a dramatic change in Aaleayha's idea of what her future might be like. At one point, Aaleayha disliked school, but now she is inspired to do well and become a teacher like her Big Sister Taylor. As a young child, Aaleayha experienced many challenges in her life that were difficult for a child to understand. With Taylor's mentorship, Aaleayha is blossoming with a focus on doing well in school, expressions of kindness and compassion, and making positive choices for herself. "I like that we both love to help other people to make a difference in their lives,” shared Aaleayha. (Matched July 2020)

Big Sister Sarah & Little Sister Kylee

Although they’ve done fun activities like snow tubing and getting manicures, some of Sarah and Kylee’s favorite get-togethers are walking around the park or mall and talking. Kylee has moved houses and schools often over the past few years, but Sarah has always been there for her. Sarah says Kylee has been resilient through it all, and admires her positive attitude.

Matched October 2018

Big Brother Jordan & Little Brother Gabriel

Jordan and Gabriel love everything to do with cars. Going to car shows is one of their favorite things to do together, but they also enjoy outdoor activities and cooking together. Jordan likes getting Gabriel to try things outside of his comfort zone (i.e. in front of his XBox) and says he’s ‘the coolest kid ever.’ Gabriel says they’re a perfect match and he likes Jordan’s sarcastic sense of humor.

Matched April 2019

Big Sister Mar & Little Sister Crai'lynn

Mar and Crai’lynn’s weekly video chats during COVID turned out to be the highlight of their week! But now they look forward to seeing each other in person. Crai’lynn likes that they share a love of animals, and enjoyed petting a sting-ray at the aquarium. Mar’s favorite memory was when her Little taught her to ice skate. Throughout their match, Mar says she’s grown more compassionate, outgoing and happy.

Matched September 2019

Big Brother Jodi & Little Brother Jameson

Although they haven’t been matched long, Jodi and Jameson have already travelled the world - virtually, that is, when they toured Ireland on Google maps. They’ve also managed to meet in person by learning to play frisbee golf together - a first for both of them. Jodi is already seeing a growth in Jameson’s confidence and enjoys fostering his Little’s creativity by working on developing a comic book together. Jameson thinks his Big is fun and cool, and likes being active with him.

Matched February 2021

Big Sister Melinda & Little Sister Jah-Riyah

Right from the start, Melinda had a knack for engaging Jah-Riyah. According to her grandmother, Jah-Riyah has opened up so much in the two years they’ve been matched, and now talks more about her feelings. But it’s not all conversations - Melinda and Jah-Riyah like to be active and try new things. Together they’ve made crafts, gone apple picking, gotten pedicures, and baked lots and lots of cookies!

Matched April 2019

Big Sister Rachel & Little Brother Malachi

Matched during the pandemic, Rachel and Malachi have really clicked, forming a great relationship despite the hardships of COVID. The pair does a lot of different crafts together, from making ornaments, to painting, to frosting cookies/graham crackers. Malachai loves to make stress ball-like toys which they call 'squishies' and one of Rachel's favorite memories is when they made squishies out of balloons and flour. Now that the weather is improving, expect this duo to be spending a lot more time outside!

Matched November 2020

Big Sister Barbara & Little Sister Nari

Barbara and Nari are always on the go! They both describe each other as positive and energetic, and it shows - they’ve been biking, hiking, and done yoga, which was Nari’s favorite. The pair love to facetime and send each other silly Gifs. Nari is a great performer and Barbara helped her put together an audition video for a play - and Nari got the part!

Matched November 2020

Big Sister Kelly & Little Sister Gabby

Celebrating their first match anniversary in May, Kelly and Gabby never let COVID get them down. They’ve had a ball exploring new places and trying new things: Gabby developed a love for sushi (but not wasabi!) and Kelly rediscovered a fondness for chess. Gabby appreciates that Kelly is a good listener and ‘up for anything’ and Kelly finds Gabby’s ambition and determination inspiring.

Matched May 2020

Big Sister Rose & Little Sister Serenity

Rose says patience and persistence are the keys to her successful match with Serenity. The two love getting outdoors, whether it be hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing or riding horses. Serenity’s favorite memory of their match was going to a WWE event. Rose and Serenity’s birthdays are back to back, so they always celebrate with a big birthday dinner!

Matched April 2017

Big Brother Anthony & Little Brother Terrance

Anthony and Terrance bonded immediately over a shared love of basketball and video games. Their favorite in-person activity together is shooting hoops with some good natured ribbing. When they can’t meet up in person, they play video games and talk on the phone. For Christmas they picked out matching sweatshirts at the mall.

Matched February 2020