CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The sound of laughter is a true testament of a great relationship.
Karina Harris and Kristen Heslip were matched through the Big Brother Big Sister of South Texas-Coastal Bend.
"When we first got paired Karina and I, you know it was new, everything was brand new. I felt like she was a little shy," Heslip said. "I think as we've had our interactions and our little outings I think she's opened up more to me and she's becoming more comfortable with me and I'm becoming more comfortable with her as well. So I think we're having a good time and learning about each other and trying to help her along with whatever she may need."
When Harris began her search for a mentor, she was hesitant that she wouldn't find someone that could relate to her.
"I felt like that it would have been a better bond than if it were a person of complete opposite of me," she said. "Like didn't relate to me or didn't understand me correctly, because that's happened a lot with me."
But this time she was paired with Heslip.
"So I was very happy," Harris said.
Through Big Brothers Big Sisters, Harris found a light that she can look up to. Maybe even one day, be that light for someone else.
"She's like, so pretty and she's like an inspiration to me," she said. "The way she thinks and acts and just overall her, I just want to be almost exactly like her."
The two are grateful to have found one another, but the organization's Branch Director, Kimberly Perez, said there are other youth in the organization still waiting for their perfect pairing.
"So there is a need for male mentors in our organization," Perez said. "And to highlight Black History Month, the importance of having minorities; showing up for our minority children that are signing up for the program."
Becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister is a one-year commitment where mentors meet with the child at least once a month.
"The hesitation that we've always had from male mentors to give a commitment to Big Brothers Big Sisters, is that they think that they have to be perfect, and no one is perfect" Perez said. "We don't expect you to be perfect. We want all of the flawed people to come because our kids are realistic."
It may be a commitment now, but the lessons gained from it can last a lifetime for both involved.
"They are going through a lot of the things that you probably went through as a child," Perez said. "Be there for a child that was probably you at that age and give them the chance and the opportunity to see a future that they may not be able to see within the four walls that they live."
If you are interested in becoming a mentor, click here.
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