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- Mary Wollstonecraft
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May 2008 Blogs
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- SWEEEEET!
- Friends & Sisters - the perfect combo!
- Amathaunta: Goddess Tip of the Month
- Studying...it can be easy! 7 Tips
- Winning Against an Eating Disorder - true story
- Twilight, by Stephenie Meyer
Friends & Sisters - the perfect combo!
INSPIRATIONAL GIRLS AND WOMEN, May 2008, by Jenifer Merifield
Friends
& Sisters
The perfect combination!
Ever wish you had a big sister? Maybe you have one but she’s close to your age or she’s too busy to spend much time with you. Having an older female in your life to talk to and confide in is something every girl should have. Someone to open up to and get guidance and “been-there” advice from... like a friend, a mentor and a role model. Here are two girls who wanted just that... so they became sisters!
At GCDA, we are always on the lookout for awesome programs that are out there to support girls of all ages. ‘Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada’ was one we were very impressed by. So we asked if we could interview one of their matches and we were introduced to the lovely and cheerful Saskatchewan residents: Jenn and Shanna.
Jenn always wanted a younger sister growing up, so when she heard about the organization she thought it was right up her alley. “I have an older brother that I followed around a lot when I was younger... even if he didn’t want me to!” she remembers. “But he taught me a lot, and was always there for me.” That relationship helped her appreciate having an older person in her life to count on that wasn’t a parent or guardian. Being that kind of role model for someone else is what she found with Shanna.
Shanna is 14 years old. “My grandma saw a poster and we thought it would be a great opportunity for me to meet new people.”
“At first, we were both very quiet and shy when we met.” Jenn thought Shanna had the most beautiful eyes and had a warm presence. Shanna thought Jenn had neat glasses.
It’s been over a year now and the shyness is definitely gone. In fact, there have been times they’ve laughed till they cried! During their time together, they have gotten to know each other and spend quality time doing things they both like. “We’re big movie buffs” says Jenn, “Some of our favourites have been Enchanted, and The Great Debaters.” They also enjoy activities such as snowboarding, playing games at Ruckers, going bowling, chalk drawings at the Mendel Art Gallery, minigolf, and playing pool.
The impact of having a big sister for Shanna has been great. “It’s having someone there for me to hang out with, spend quality time with and to just have fun with. Jenn is someone who is there for me.”
For Jenn, she gets to learn new things, and see things from a different point of view. “It’s like being a kid again. I really enjoy spending time with Shanna.”
Each time they get together they catch up on what’s been going on and what’s new. It’s a relationship built on trust and friendship and they can count on each other.
Sharing their goals together is another way they connect. Shanna wants to be a fashion designer some day, and Jenn is studying to be a pharmacist.
When asked what their message to other teen girls was, they said this: “There’s someone out there for you to talk to and listen. No one ever has to be alone.
Everyone deserves the comfort and support of a big sister. Go to BBBSC.ca if you would like to learn more about how they can help you.
~ Jenifer