Little Sister Lydia and Big Sister Karyn were matched 3.5 years ago in the mentor2.0 program at Englewood High School. They liked getting together for scheduled monthly events at the high School which gave them time to get to know each other better, enjoy a meal together and then do a planned exercise.
About two years ago, Lydia and Karyn joined the mentor2.0 Plus program, which allows matches to spend time together alone. Lydia and Karyn were able to draw closer and further develop their relationship as they enjoyed going out to eat and coffee, talking and exploring on a beautiful day. They also connected over video calls, phone calls and texting.
Lydia faced several challenges during her senior year of high school, but with Karyn’s encouragement and support, she graduated with the class of 2021 last May! Karyn was able to join Lydia’s parents, family and friends at a going away party to send her off to college last August and Lydia has since completed her first semester Mesa College in Grand Junction.
Lydia and Karyn still keep in touch and get together when Lydia comes home for breaks. Karyn reports that while Lydia shared that she was adjusting to her new life at college early on, she is definitely spreading her wings, making new friends and loving where she is at!
In reflecting on her match experience with Lydia, Karyn shares, “My experience with Lydia and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado continues to be a highlight of my year. This has been such a challenging and beautiful experience for me as a Big and Lydia inspires me with her tenacity and growth. My heart is full, knowing I have a ‘Little’ for life in Lydia, and hope to be part of her life for many years to come.”
To donors, Karyn says, “If it wasn’t for the mentor2.0 program through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado, I would have never met Lydia, or some of her friends, or some of the amazing and dedicated leaders working with them. And it wouldn’t have happened without your support! Thank you for your gifts and partnership. It enables the power of one-to-one mentoring to encourage and inspire youth to reach their full potential.”