The First Meeting

By Laura S., Big Sister, University of Pennsylvania, Class of 2008

This past week, I helped to introduce a Big and a Little to each other for the first time. Both the Big and Little were so excited and so nervous to meet each other, and I couldn’t help but remember that I felt the same way the first time that I met my Little, Brianna. I think that the first time you enter into any new situation you can’t help but to be scared of the unknown. No matter how excited you are about starting a new activity or situation, not knowing what to expect is extremely intimidating.

When I first went to CPA to meet Brianna, I had so many thoughts flying through my head. I was worried that Brianna would be really shy, and I wouldn’t be able to get her to talk. I was worried that Brianna wouldn’t like me, and we wouldn’t have anything in common. I was worried that it would be an awkward experience, and that I wouldn’t be able to develop a relationship with Brianna. I’ve learned though that these worries are completely natural. I was a twenty year old college student when I was matched to Brianna, and I hadn’t been around nine year olds in a long time. Although I was extremely nervous, I was so excited for the potential that our relationship could have. I really wanted to become friends with Brianna, make a difference in her life, and for her to make a difference in my life.

Looking back on that first day, I find it almost funny that I was so worried. Brianna is a wonderful girl, and over the past year, our relationship has developed into something wonderful. I should not have been intimidated by this new experience. Even though there are many years and experiences between us, I realize now that two people are almost guaranteed to have a great relationship if both of them want it. And we both definitely did. I am so happy that even though I was scared on that first day, I overcame my fears and tried something new that has proven time and time again to be one of the most fulfilling activities in which I have ever been involved.