Creating a Future through Friendship
Growing up, Danielle didn’t have the highest self-esteem. At home, her four brothers’ tumultuous and boisterous personalities always overpowered hers. And, in her neighborhood she didn’t always feel safe to walk down the street, much less make friends. She learned early on that it was best to keep to herself.
However, Danielle’s isolation and waning confidence worried her mother. She knew Danielle needed a friend – a mentor to look up to. So Danielle’s mother signed her up with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana (BBBS), a United Way-supported agency.
When Danielle was introduced to her Big Sister, Kelly, she was shy at first. But Kelly provided Danielle a calm, comfortable environment to get away from her home life and, soon enough, Danielle began to come out of her shell. The two went on day-trip adventures, attended art classes and explored new foods together!
Beyond providing a fun outlet for Danielle, Kelly also encouraged her to begin thinking about her future. They participated in community service projects and attended college tours. Danielle started getting involved at her high school and working hard to improve her grades. And upon graduation, Danielle was awarded the Frank Davis Scholarship to pursue a college degree. Danielle credits Kelly’s friendship with keeping her on the right track. Without her, Danielle would have never had the confidence to strive for a brighter future or have even thought about college.
“By building a caring, supportive, non-judgmental match relationship, Danielle realized that she is free to be herself and make her own decisions. By treating her as a peer and simply giving subtle advice, she has developed into a mature young woman who is in control of her future,” said Kelly.
Now, Danielle is enrolled at Ivy Tech and has completed her first session with a 3.0 GPA and has become more confident in herself.
“Kelly has made a huge impact on my life. Since being matched with her, I have become a better me,” shares Danielle.
Because of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana, United Way and you, Danielle received the support, friendship and mentorship she needed to create a better future for herself. And now, she plans to volunteer as a Big Sister in the future to be that positive influence and role-model for another deserving young girl.
Note: United Way works to improve the lives of all Central Indiana residents by focusing our work in four key areas – Education, Income, Health and Basic Needs. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana addresses one or more of these areas by providing children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.