For most 13-year-olds, their biggest worry is what grade they’ll get on Friday’s math test, or how they’ll get to the next level in their favorite video game. But at that age, Noah had a lot more on his mind.
Noah’s life was completely upended in an instant when his mother, the only parent he had, unexpectedly passed away. He had to move from his home on the East Coast to Portland to live with his aunt, Nicole. Noah was grieving and adapting to a new school, new home, and entirely new circumstances in an unfamiliar city thousands of miles from the life he knew. That’s when Nicole reached out to Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest.
Big Brothers Big Sisters staff matched Noah with a Big Sister named Jill. In the six months since they’ve been matched, Noah and Jill have bonded over their Asian American identities and have especially enjoyed exploring all the great food Portland has to offer. Recently, Noah met and hit it off with Jill’s two adult sons.
“Noah now has two older brothers too,” Jill said.
The two have quickly become an important part of each other’s lives. Together, they attended Jill’s husband’s martial arts performance and Noah’s family day at his job at the Oregon Zoo. Noah and Nicole even invited Jill and her husband over for dinner at their home.
Jill has not only had a positive impact on Noah, but on his aunt as well. When Noah moved in, Nicole became a single parent overnight. She said she’s so appreciative to have Jill as an extra support for their family.
Noah, now 17, has been struggling with the pressures of being a junior in high school, having a part-time job, and competing on the wrestling team. Jill continues to be there for him.
“When Noah’s having a bad day, Jill is the only person he wants to talk to,” Nicole said.
Noah has big dreams. Soon, he hopes to return to the East Coast— this time to attend an Ivy League university. Jill and her sons have been happy to work with Noah on his academics, SAT prep, and college essays.
Noah had incredible potential this whole time — he just needed a mentor like Jill to help him ignite it.
