When Little Sister Precious and Big Sister Bethany were matched three years ago, neither could have imagined the impact they would make on each other’s lives. Precious wanted a mentor to help her learn to control her emotions and grow her interpersonal skills. During her time with Bethany, she has made a conscious effort to develop her strengths and explore her interests. Bethany, a teacher for the Tacoma School District, wanted to make a difference in a child’s life outside the classroom. What began as a mentorship has blossomed into a profound friendship filled with personal growth, joy, motivation, and school success.
The Journey of Growth and Connection
From their very first meeting, Bethany saw Precious’s tenacity and determination to succeed. She is a “go-getter” and has an unwavering commitment to her goals. Bethany has helped Precious not only by being a constant presence in her life but also by encouraging Little to achieve her dreams. When Precious revealed her dream of becoming an actor, Bethany listened intently and reached out to the BBBSPS Match Support Specialist for guidance. Together, we found acting resources for Precious and supported her in joining classes. Precious would go on to perform on stage at the Lakewood Playhouse.
 | Bethany has also grown through this mentorship. As a teacher, she’s always cared deeply for her students, and mentoring Precious has given her a chance to connect with youth outside school. “Matching with Precious has made me a better teacher and a role model for the students in my classroom,” Bethany shared. “She inspires me every day with her determination and reminds me to push myself and try new things, just like she does.” |
The Power of Mentorship in Academic Achievement
This match is just one among many success stories with life-changing impact. At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound, stories like Bethany and Precious inspire us every day. They motivate us to make a positive impact and empower mentoring relationships within our community. Surveys show that Littles in our program see a significant boost in academic performance: 28% more As and 17% fewer Ds and Fs after being matched with a mentor. Locally, 100% of youth matched with a mentor in the past several years have graduated high school.
Bethany’s experience as a teacher has enabled her to effectively support Precious’s academic journey. With her insights on the challenges faced by young students, Bethany was able to help Precious stay engaged with her studies and personal goals.
Through Bethany’s guidance, Precious has improved her emotional management and social interaction skills. She has embraced composure and positivity, which has bolstered her academic focus and resilience. Beyond academic success, mentoring also builds confidence and fosters creativity. The connection between Bethany, Big Sister, and Precious, Little Sister highlights the program’s impact on educational outcomes, setting the foundation for future success in both school and life.
“Mentorship is not just about helping the child, it’s about growing together. Our relationship is proof that mentorship changes lives, on both sides.” – Bethany, Big Sister.
An Unbreakable Bond
What makes this match extraordinary is the genuine connection between Bethany and Precious. They’ve supported each other through challenges, celebrated successes, and created irreplaceable memories.
When Cate Ngugi and her daughter, Precious, moved from Africa to the U.S. during COVID-19, they faced an unfamiliar transition. They found themselves navigating a new country without the social support they had back home. It was a challenging time, filled with uncertainty and culture shock. Cate Ngugi believed that someone in this new country could help Precious overcome these challenges. That is how Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound became a bridge, connecting Precious with Bethany and helping her embrace American culture. Cate Ngugi is deeply grateful to have Bethany by her daughter’s side during this time.
“This way Precious has really grown.” – Cate Ngugi.
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Bethany has helped Precious ignite her potential, and our Little’s growth has been remarkable. Initially, Precious faced challenges with managing her emotions and social interactions. However, over the past 3 years, she has started to glow with confidence, positivity, and ambition. Retrospectively, she speaks about how the mentorship has helped her evolve. Bethany is amazed by Precious’s ability to interact with others, with kindness and grace.
“I’m very thankful for the things that she has given me” Precious reflects.
For Bethany, Precious’s spirit has also awakened a similar drive in Bethany, reminding her of her own resilience and strength. “Seeing Precious chase her dreams has motivated me to do the same in my own life,” Bethany remarked.
Join Us in Building Brighter Futures
Stories like Bethany and Precious highlight the ability of mentorship to ignite potential and create lasting change. Mentorship is a significant tool that not only can empower children to reach their full potential but also build confidence in the mentor. But for every success story, there are still children waiting for their match.
You can make a difference. Whether by becoming a mentor, donating, or volunteering, your support can help build brighter futures for kids in our community.
