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Match of the Month: Shanaya and Megan


Congratulations to Little Sister Shanaya and Big Sister Megan! Shanaya and Megan are our October 2021 Match of the Month. Shanaya and Megan are part of our Community Based program, where matches are able to spend time with one another out in the community.

MATCH OF THE MONTH

Match of the Month is a new feature for 2021.  Every month we celebrate a match with this special recognition. This award honors a match’s dedication to each other and commitment to living out the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Michigan – empowering the potential of youth through one-to-one mentoring.

SHANAYA AND MEGAN

Shanaya and Megan have been matched since June 2013. During their time matched, they have grown together in tremendous ways, seeing each other through transitions in school, health, and jobs. They have a very caring, honest, and open bond with one another. Because of the longevity of their match, they have experienced so much!

Throughout the pandemic, they learned to navigate the virtual world together. They were able to share tips and tricks with one another about how to make online schooling work. Despite both of them working and being in school, they have managed to balance their personal responsibilities with their continued commitment to their match.  

Now that they’re meeting in person again, they love getting together for drive thru lunch twice a month (chicken sandwiches are their go-to!), and hanging out in the car to talk and catch up. They’re both thinking about what the future holds after graduation and how they’ll stay in touch.

GOALS

Big Brothers Big Sisters asks each of its matches to define 3 goals they would like to accomplish as part of their match. Matches discuss new goals on an annual basis. Most recently, they identified the following goals:

  • Continue seeing one another twice a month
  • Help Shanaya continue to build confidence as she navigates this school year
  • Find special activities to do in the Kalamazoo area

Congratulations, Shanaya and Megan!  We look forward to continuing to support your match for years to come!

If you know a child that would benefit from a Big please click here. If you’d like to become a Big, or you know someone who’d make a great Big, please click here.