When we hear about an older person mentoring a younger person, we usually think of the former helping, supporting, and teaching the latter. But as one Big Sister-Little Sister relationship demonstrates, mentor-mentee support and growth often flows both ways.

Jaleesa and Jaime got matched through the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) program in 2019, a time when they’d both experienced traumatic losses. Jaime’s dad had recently died, and Jaleesa had just lost her grandfather, the only father figure she’d ever known. They quickly formed a bond that held strong through the pandemic and has only deepened in the years since. Their relationship involves open communication about life’s challenges, anxiety over the future, trauma and grief, the reality of being Black women, and more.

Jaleesa has been an invaluable resource for Jaime as she heads toward college. But mentoring Jaime has also had an enormous impact on Jaleesa’s life as they have grown together.

‘Being a Big broke me open…’

Choosing to serve as a Big Sister or Big Brother is a big responsibility, but one Jaleesa was eager to take on.

“I wanted to become a Big because I remember how difficult and isolating it was growing up and trying to find my place in the world,” says Jaleesa. “I also remember how life-changing it was to find adults who........

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