Big Sister Kris and Little Sister Virginya “Shine” have shared an extraordinary seven-year journey. They have built an incredible bond that has made such a difference each other’s lives. Little Sister Shine has explored many wonderful opportunities with guidance and support from her Big Sister.
A Shy Beginning Turns into a Remarkable Match
Big Sister Kris first met Little Sister Shine when she was just seven years old. Shine was a shy and reserved girl unsure what to expect from a new mentoring relationship. From the very beginning, Shine’s mother, Danyel, believed there was a strong connection between them, noting how quickly trust and rapport developed. Over the years, this bond has only grown stronger, and Shine now refers to Kris as “the auntie I never had”.
Kris shares that her relationship with Shine is so close that she feels more like family than anything else. For Kris, it has been incredible to accompany Shine as her Big Sister and watch her grow into the wonderful person she is today. Their seven-year journey together has provided a unique opportunity to witness many life transitions and support one another over the years.
 |  |  |
Explore the World Through a Big’s Life Journey
With Kris’s background in hosting foreign exchange students and her varied life experiences, Shine had the opportunity to meet peers from diverse cultural backgrounds. She was thrilled to connect with these students and eager to learn about their cultures and perspectives on life. These interactions broadened Shine’s worldview and expressed her curiosity.
“Shine was always so excited to learn more about these kids and where they came from,” Kris shared.
 | While Shine has a loving and supportive family, there were aspects of life she had never explored or experienced before such as going to concerts or watching sports games. These shared experiences made Kris feel she was making a positive impact on Shine’s life. Little Sister has had many “first-time” experiences with Kris, some made possible by the free event opportunities offered by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound. For example, Kris recently received free concert tickets through the program and took Shine to her very first concert. Though neither of them was familiar with the artist, they had an amazing time and created lasting memories. They also attended a Kraken game, marking Shine’s first live hockey game. These moments are more than just fun outings; they create lifelong memories and foster stronger emotional bonds between the Big and Little. |
The New Traditions and Family Bonds
| Over the years, Kris and Shine have created meaningful traditions that will last a lifetime. Every winter, Shine goes over to Kris’s home to bake holiday cookies together. It’s something they all look forward to and celebrate together every year. These cherished moments exemplify how the match has seamlessly connected to each other’s lives. Thanks to the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, two people from different worlds have been brought together. They created new traditions and formed family bonds beyond their original relationships. This truly shows BBBSPS organization’s core value: building lasting relationships. Kris and Shine have shared the ups and downs of life together and have become better versions of themselves, as they are today. Kris was able to provide love and support to a child they feel connected to, Shine was able to receive additional support outside her normal realm of family and friends, and Danyel was able to see the positive impact that the mentorship has had on her child. The success of each match doesn’t just impact those directly involved; it also creates inspiring stories to share, learn from, and motivate Bigs everywhere to make a difference in the lives of Littles. |  |
Be a Part of Something BIGGER
Kris and Shine’s journey shows that mentorship can spark joy, growth, and connection in ways that go far beyond the match itself. If you’re inspired by their story, become a Big or support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound today. Together, we can create more connections that shine as brightly as Kris and Shine’s.
