Real Big Stories
Following in Big Footsteps
It is not uncommon for a former Little to decide to become a BIG part of another child's life. Such is the case with University of Oklahoma student Amanda and her new Little Sister, Brittany. Amanda was born in Forth Worth, Texas and raised in Norman, Oklahoma. She grew up with her mother, who was then a single parent, and her younger sister. Amanda, however, was also somewhat of a younger sister-a Big Brothers Big Sisters Little Sister.
Amanda was mentored from the age of six to age twenty-one, by three different Big Sisters. According to Amanda, they had long-lasting impacts on her life. When asked why her matches lasted so long, Amanda said, "My matches were perfect examples of strong women. They were creative, fun to be with, and most importantly loved me." One of those strong women was Amanda's first Big Sister, Beth Sparks, wife of Oklahoma Senator, John Sparks.
Sparks is happy to know that she took part in Amanda becoming a strong young woman. She said, "I'm just proud of Amanda, and that I could show her a way of life that didn't need to be dictated by circumstances, that she could be in control of her life." Sparks truly believes that when young people are mentored, they see that someone believes in them. Because of that, they will believe in themselves.
As a child, Amanda enjoyed being a Little Sister, mainly because of how special she felt being with her Big Sister. "I felt like I was someone they wanted to spend time with and that positive impact allowed a lot of growth for me as a child," she says. She believes that her Big Sisters were also special people, and for this reason she wanted to share that experience with a Little Sister herself. Amanda wanted to be a positive influence for another little girl.
Amanda and Little Sister Brittany were matched in August 2008, and they enjoy doing a lot of fun things, especially because they have so much in common. They love the movies, making dinner, painting pictures and playing outside. According to Amanda, Brittany is also a great singer and dancer. Sometimes the two of them just love to crank up the music in the car and sing along.
Becoming a Big Sister has been truly life-changing. Amanda has already seen some growth in Brittany since they've been matched. Brittany was once very shy around her new Big Sister, but now she is much more comfortable. When talking about her impact on their match, Amanda said, "We talk about what things will be like for her in the future, and how school and family are important and how she always needs to make good decisions. She has a good head on her shoulders." Amanda hopes that the result of their match will be a long-lasting bond and a friendship that will last a lifetime.
Keep checking this page for more Real BIG Stories coming soon!