Carli and Leddi could not be more different. Carli is a spirited creative with a passion for aerial silks. Leddi is a shy 13-year-old with a fondness for volleyball. Despite this they formed a deep bond through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.  

The Power of Connection

Three years ago, Carli and Leddi met for the first time. Leddi, looking for a way to get out of the house, was inspired by her dad to join the program, while Carli was searching for something positive to bring to her life.  

“There was a lot of negative stuff on TV and on the news, and I was feeling really crappy,” recalls Carli. “ Because of all the negativity I thought I could do something positive and feel a little bit better.”

The first time they met Carli and Leddi drew with chalk down by the river and went to the park.This was just the beginning of a three-year and counting mentorship. Since then, through shared experiences facilitated by Big Brothers Big Sisters, Carli and Leddi have explored activities such as Clip & Climb, swimming, sledding, and cooking. Carli taught Leddi how to do aerial silks, while Leddi taught Carli the latest Tik Tok dances. These moments are more than just fond memories; they have also served as the catalyst for personal growth and relationship building.

Inspiring Change Through Mentorship

For Carli, being a mentor is about making a difference and giving back to her community, while also trying new things she wouldn’t normally do on her own. 

“I try to do the things that Big Brothers Big Sisters teaches,” says Carli. “Things like sharing power and giving choices, and I think it’s had an effect.” Carli reflected on the positive changes she’s witnessed in Leddi, particularly her reduced shyness, increased social interaction with peers, and personal independence. Big Brothers Big Sisters has left both Carli and Leddi feeling more empowered. 

Carli highly recommends becoming a mentor, so long as you have the time to give and can be consistent. “It’s really worth it,” she shares. “You can learn from Big Brothers Big Sisters. It’s not a scary thing.” 

When reflecting upon their relationship over the past three years, Carli says that she keeps special mementos of their time together as a reminder of how their relationship has grown. “I still have the first Christmas card Leddi gave me. It’s fun to look back on and to see how much she’s changed in such a short amount of time.”