Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Piedmont is pleased to share Aly and Johana! This Big and Little were matched in December of 2018 within our site based program. After initial visits, Aly and Johana became close friends and enjoyed their weekly visits. This set the stage for their relationship to remain viable throughout quarantine months during the pandemic. Both were so excited to see each other face to face in the fall of 2021, and the relationship keeps getting stronger! Their friendship is easy as they both just love talking to each other. However, they also enjoy anything outdoors, playing board games, shopping, or having a scoop of ice cream together. Aly is the type of Big that provides a safe place for Johana. As a mentor, she is a master listener and coach in problem solving. Aly has provided her Little with no judgment and no barrier space. As a result, Johana is open to share her problems, confidence level, goals, and wishes. Both agree that having each other has been a wonderful experience. They genuinely care about each other.
Important words to share from Aly: “As a Big, I’ve learned that the most important part to mentorship is commitment, being there for your little through thick and thin. There is no joke that can be made, or present that can be given that beats just showing up. Time is the greatest gift you can give to a child. Through good times and bad times Johana has reminded me how to laugh, how to cry, how to smile, how to be angry, but mostly how to continue to dream for a better future. She is spunky and sure, thoughtful and kind, and I have no doubt that no matter what she does in the future, she will live an amazing life and leave the world better than she found it. I will hold on to our friendship for the rest of my life and continue to be grateful that we found each other through Big Brothers Big Sisters. The best things in life really are free.”
We all agree that Johana’s future is bright when it comes to her academic success and love for sports. Along with her family, BBBSCP is very excited for Johana as she reaches her full potential in life! We are thankful for Aly as she demonstrates true commitment to Johana and the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters!