Jasmine was 11 years old when she first met her new Big Sister, Deanna. During their first meeting, the two bonded over their passion for creativity and dance, a perfect fit since Deanna works for White Bird, an arts organization that brings live dance performances to Portland.
At first, Jasmine presented as quiet and shy. Naturally, it took her some time to learn to trust Deanna as someone who wasn’t temporary in her life.
“I knew there was an energetic girl in there; we were just slowly opening up to each other,” Deanna observed.
Over the past two years, Jasmine has opened up to Deanna as they’ve built trust with each other. They’ve found several activities that they love doing together, including making homemade pasta and learning Tiktok dances.
As she’s gotten more comfortable, Deanna has seen Jasmine’s caring personality shine through. Deanna recalls her favorite memory with Jasmine, in which they were checking out a new store.
“I told her she could buy something for herself for $15, and she took her time figuring out how many treats she could get so that everyone on her volleyball team could have one at practice that evening,” remembered Deanna. “It was such a simple moment, but it was such a great example of how generous and thoughtful she is!”
But Deanna isn’t just there for the good times. She steps in to offer advice when Jasmine is going through hard times as well, like when she was frustrated about her device being taken away. Deanna used this opportunity to talk to Jasmine about why apologizing is important, as well as to help her understand the situation that led to that consequence.
Jasmine has been a good addition to Deanna’s support system, as well. Deanna remembers telling Jasmine about a difficult situation in her life, thinking Jasmine wasn’t really paying much attention at the time. But the next time they saw each other, Jasmine asked Deanna how the situation turned out. Deanna realized that Jasmine observes, remembers, and truly cares.
Deanna believes that as a Big, her greatest impact on Jasmine has simply been being someone she can count on. Deanna plans to be in Jasmine’s life as long as Jasmine wants her there, and is committed to always showing up when she says she will.
Now, at age 13, Jasmine and Deanna are already talking about big milestones in Jasmine’s future, like learning to drive, turning 18, and even getting a job someday. Deanna is touched that Jasmine sees her as a part of these plans.
“Jasmine and I come from very different backgrounds, and our relationship has been a slow burn, but has grown into something I see lasting a lifetime,” Deanna said.
White Bird & Big Brothers Big Sisters
White Bird has been a cherished partner of Big Brothers Big Sisters for several years. As part of its mission of making live dance affordable to all people, White Bird provides free tickets for Bigs and Littles to several performances each season through its NEST program.
In exchange, Big Brothers Big Sisters representatives assist with a NEST appeal each season, attending a performance and helping collect donations for the NEST program after the show.
Both White Bird and Big Brothers Big Sisters are participating in Willamette Week’s Give!Guide this year, from November 1-December 31. Please consider making a donation to one or both organizations this holiday season.
