After going through a divorce, Karen’s mom signed Karen up for the mentoring program with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hawai‘i. Her parents’ divorce, switching schools and helping her mom in any way she could left Karen feeling alone and wanting someone “in her corner”. In November 2013, the agency matched Karen with Big Sister Jessica Chiu. Once the introductions were made, Karen instantly felt that it was the start of a lifelong relationship with her very own Big Sister.
“Jessica walked into my life and helped me pick up my broken pieces with love and kindness.” Karen said. “I put up high walls but slowly Jessica was able to knock them down by showing how much she truly cared for me. I opened up more going into our second year often telling her about incidents with my Dad or problems I had in school. She comforted me and was my support system. She would always tell me that I simply had to be better and that things were going to be okay.”
Jessica has learned a lot from Karen as well, saying “Karen has impacted me to stay young at heart. Her positive personality and willingness to try new things and experiences reminds me to never become jaded and constantly keep an open mind.” Jessica enjoys taking Karen to yoga as well as having deep discussions which “helps her understand that life can be trying and people can be mean, but forgive them anyway and focus on you.” Jessica commented that “Being a Big is one the coolest things I could ever do.”
