Jennifer and Mykenna

Big Jennifer and Little Mykenna graduated from our cornerstone 1:1 mentoring program last fall. Ten years ago, the pair made the required commitment to meet up once a week for one year. Well, one year led to another…and another…and another…

This is their story.

Mykenna’s mother enrolled her in our program because she hoped that having a Big would give Mykenna more confidence and the opportunity to feel some sister-like love.

Meanwhile, Jennifer had applied to become a Big. Growing up, she’d been surrounded by incredible female role models and had reached the point in her life where she wanted to be that person for a little girl in need.

In 2012, Jennifer was matched with then 11-year-old Mykenna. On their first outing, they went to see Super Dogs – a great choice given their common love of animals!

While the pair had many spectacular outings together over the course of their match, including a trip to Niagara Falls, the memories that stand out for Jennifer, was Mykenna sharing Taylor Swift’s music with her. To this day she’s transported back to many of the fun times they shared every time a Taylor Swift song comes on.

When we asked Mykenna what the best part of having a Big was, she said it was always having someone to talk to. (We get that a lot!)

Today, Mykenna is enrolled in post-secondary education and pursuing her dream to become a social worker. Jennifer says she’s a strong, confident and beautiful young woman. Someone who Jennifer couldn’t be more proud of, or proud to know.

At BBBS, when we say we ignite potential, this is what we are talking about. And while this duo are no longer “official” Big and Little sisters, they’re as close as ever and have come up with an even better word to describe themselves: family.