TESTIMONIALS
These testimonials are true stories from "Bigs" & "Littles" from here in the Inland Northwest.
Becoming Adam
Adam Johnson, CEO Convertec Solutions
Things at home were rough, but my mom only wanted what was best for me. That’s why she enrolled me in Big Brothers Big Sisters.
I was eight years old when I met my Big Brother Don in May of 1994. Within just a few weeks our relationship had literally taken flight. One of our very first outings was flying in Don’s Cessna 150 all over North Idaho. The experience was incredible and set the stage for a friendship that would last a lifetime.
Prior to meeting Don, I was always interested in flying and tried unsuccessfully to build planes of my own. Don was an experienced pilot who served in the Air Force so I instantly admired him. He was and is my hero. There had always been a flame for flying inside of me, Don just added fuel to that fire–jet fuel.
Don taught me to ignore those that said I couldn’t do it. He often said, “If you have a dream you chase it, go for it and don’t give up until you conquer it!,” which to this day is my mantra.
He helped me put purpose into my passion by enrolling me in the Civil Air Patrol where I ultimately earned the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. Not only did I get to fly, but I developed leadership qualities and forged the personality traits that have helped me immeasurably in my personal and professional life.
Don and I have been through ups and downs in our 14 year friendship. He was and is the best Big Brother I could have hoped for. He always “got me” and I can’t begin to express to you how much that meant to me or how much that shaped who I am today. I know I would not be the man I am today if not for Don and the supportive staff at BBBS.
The End of an Era
Robyn Sciuchetti, Big Sister
I was looking for a way to give back to the community. In March of 2002 I became a Big Sister. I consciously decided to be matched with an older child since they tend to wait longer to be matched and I felt it would be the best fit for my lifestyle.
Gabrielle and I have been matched seven years now and it has been a wonderful experience. We scrapbook, attend hockey games, concerts and plays, navigate corn mazes, carve pumpkins, and cook dinner at home trying new recipes like gnocchi and spaghetti squash. This weekend we are going to try sushi. We have camped in my backyard, gone horseback riding and ice skating. Gabrielle quickly became a part of my family. In fact, we are frequently asked if we are sisters.
It has been amazing to watch her grow from an 11-year old 5th grader, through the often difficult transitions adolescence, into the beautiful young woman she has become.
She just graduated from high school, having lived in her own apartment and worked full time for the past year. She has witnessed how hard I work to achieve success at my job in order to be able to travel and experience new adventures. I feel blessed that I was able to give her a positive and stable role model to look to for advice and guidance.
This summer Gabrielle turned 18 and graduated from high school signaling the official end of our match. I could say that I will miss Gabrielle, but I won’t. I know that we will continue to spend time together over the years because we truly have become sisters.
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