Little Sister Rozie and Big Sister Tina were matched in the Sports Buddies mentoring program at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado in September 2019. They were having a blast getting to know each other through group sporting events like ice skating, team handball and a soccer game.
Once the shelter-in-place order was put into effect, their Sports Buddies events were cancelled and they had to find a new way of staying connected. The BBBSC staff helped out by putting together a platform through Google Hangouts so matches could sign up for times to chat and participate in activities together.
One of the activity options was to do a trick-shot challenge with your partner. Rozie and Tina got creative and came up with a way to play “catch” virtually. After some hilarious practice attempts, they got their timing down and recorded a video showing off their new skill. It wasn’t a Mammoth lacrosse game or a group game at the park like they were used to, but this simple activity over video revealed to them just how important their relationship is and how much they need each other right now.
“Video chatting with Rozie during quarantine has been a breath of fresh air,” Tina said. “Speaking with her has really reminded me that we are ALL in this together. I have my own worries, and so does she. She didn’t get to finish her school year and say goodbye to her friends. She has more responsibility than ever, helping her mom with her other siblings and household chores.”
Tina has faced her own set of challenges as she was recently laid off due to the shutdowns in response to COVID-19. She’s been researching health insurance options and worrying about her older family members. She said normally she would get together with friends to commiserate and build up the energy for job searching but since she can’t do that it’s easy to wallow in negative feelings by yourself.
“Without positi
ve connection with others, it would be so easy for both of us to fixate on the negative and spiral down instead of acknowledging the situation, accepting it, and moving on. Sometimes you need others to lift you up,” she said.
Rozie looks forward to every interaction she has with Tina. After their first chat, Rozie requested another one almost immediately, and after their second chat she asked if they could keep talking throughout quarantine.
“My Big has helped me during this challenging time by making sure I am still having fun and making sure I stay on my online school,” Rozie said. “It is important for people to stay connected to make sure they’re safe and they stay inside so we don’t get viruses and we still have fun.”
The silver lining in this difficult situation is the quarantine has shown the value and impact the relationship has had on both Rozie and Tina.
“I didn’t really understand how much our relationship meant to Rozie until the COVID video chats started,” Tina said. “Learning that she does value our relationship made me feel so happy and valued. Also, just hanging out with a kid is really fun. People should mentor because it really does make a difference in the Little’s life.”
Rozie and Tina are a great example of the importance of mentoring and healthy relationships during this critical time and are one of our 1,700 matches we are currently supporting.
Please join us as we create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. BECOME A BIG or DONATE.