We are proud to announce Big Sister Hailey and Little Sister Anjanae as the 2023 Big and Little Sister of the Year!
When Hailey matched with Anjanae in 2013, Anjanae was only 8 years old. Now, 10 years later, Hailey and Anjanae have been together through some of the most formative years of both their lives. Hailey has gotten to experience Anjanae grow from a shy girl to a confident, young woman with clear goals and aspirations, and Anjanae has gotten to have a permanent presence in her life through fun times, sickness, lockdowns, and long distances.
“One of the greatest things about the relationship I have with Anjanae is both of us are usually game to do most anything,” Hailey said.
They both agree their outings have been the most memorable parts of their friendship. From mini cooking classes to Anjanae’s first time rowing a boat, they meet every task with excitement and a good amount of laughter.
“Unfortunately, there has not been a word curated to describe how special Hailey is to me” gushes Little Anjanae. “Imagine meeting someone, during a time when the world meant so little to you, who showed you everything the world has to offer.”
This year, Anjanae will be graduating from high school with the hopes of attending college to become an attorney. She’s also taken full advantage of all that Big Brothers Big Sisters has to offer, such as working with Ninfa, our College & Career Zone Manager, to help create a career plan.
Anjanae is also a core member of the Black Youth Ambassador Group, a team of high-school-aged Littles who actively create space to celebrate Black youth empowerment.
“I have no idea what the world has in store for Anjanae’s future,” smiles Big Sister Hailey, “but whatever it is, I know she will conquer it head-on and laugh all the way through it.”
