Q & A with Little Sister Justyce and Big Sister Cathy
Meet Big Sister Cathy and Little Sister Justyce. Their Match has grown stronger since the very first time they met. What started with practicing multiplication and reading has turned into a friendship filled with fun, learning, and new experiences. They’ve celebrated birthdays, cooked meals together, and tried creative projects. This past summer, they participated in the Summer Adventure Quest where they volunteered at the Albemarle County Fair. It has been wonderful to see this Match grow and create lasting memories.
From Little Sister Justyce
Tell us about first meeting your Big Sister Cathy – what do you remember? We went to the library and we worked on my goals which were multiplication and reading and it helped me a lot and after we did that, we went out to eat.
What are some fun experiences and activities that you and your Big Sister Cathy have done together? On of my birthday, she brought me presents and took me to one of my favorite restaurants and we went and got dessert.
What do you like about having a Big Sister? She helped me learn new things and helped me with challenging things and takes me to fun places.
What are three words you would use to describe your Big Sister? Funny, caring, and helpful
What advice would you offer to a Little Sister? Having a Big Sister is a lot of fun and they help you with things that you have trouble with.
What theme music or song would you pick for your match with your Big Sister Cathy? Luther by Kendrick Lamar and SZA
From Big Sister Cathy
Tell us about first meeting your Little Sister Justyce? We met at the BBBS offices where I met Justyce, her mother, and her grandmother. I was nervous! I learned about her family, her likes and dislikes, her goals for our relationship, and her mother’s expectations. We discussed the best way to communicate to make plans. Justyce also told me she wanted reading practice and times tables practice. We bonded quickly and have since enjoyed each of our meetups.
What are your favorite memories about time spent with your Little Sister Justyce? We really have fun cooking together! We’ve made chicken and salmon dishes, but our favorites are carrot cake and chocolate chip cookies. We’ve also enjoyed making jewelry and silk flower arrangements.
What have you learned about being a Big? Take advantage of teaching moments and mentor constantly. Communication with the family and with Justyce are important. If I can’t see Justyce one week explain why in advance.
Why did you become a Big – and what was motivating about this opportunity? Saying I had empty nest syndrome is too trite, but it was part of it. After retirement I had extra time and wanted to do something meaningful. I love kids and knew I had a lot to offer a Little Sister.
What is your biggest challenge as a Big? Finding a variety of inexpensive activities that appeal to both of us.
What advice would you offer to someone considering becoming a Big?
Make enough time for your Little - be a consistent presence in their life.
Learn about your Little so your time together is a combination of what they need and what’s fun for them.
Remember that teaching can be fun. Practice adding fractions while doubling a cookie recipe. Or teach about plants and caring for them while planting a small garden. Practice table manners while pretending to be a princess.
What would be your theme music or song for your match with Little Sister Justyce? Best Day of My Life by American Authors. It’s about embracing life with enthusiasm and choosing to make each day feel like the ‘best day’.
