Amy & Madi

At 12-years-old, Madi was entering 6th grade showing signs of depression, a lack of drive in school, and apathy toward her future. Entering her most formative years, Madi was at-risk of going down a dark path. Madi’s Mom knew something needed to change. She had heard about Big Brothers Big Sisters, and since Madi grew up with all male siblings, her Mom thought a Big Sister could be just what Madi needed to set her on the path to a brighter future.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Region matched Madi with Amy. As a young professional, new to the area, Amy was ready to make her mark on her new community. After hearing from a co-worker about Big Brothers Big Sisters, Amy knew it was the perfect opportunity to make a difference. Before their first meeting, both Madi and Amy were nervous. Amy thought, “What if she doesn’t like me?” Madi thought “What if she thinks I’m weird?” Despite their concerns, they connected right away. “There were no awkward silences,” Madi stated. “We talked the entire time.”

Over the next seven years, Amy and Madi built the foundation for their lifelong friendship. They loved hanging out doing things outdoors. Amy recalled that Madi acted like tour guide for her, showing her everything her new city had to offer. They also enjoyed crafting, cooking and trying new foods together. Madi notes that Thai food is now one of her favorites, after experiencing it for the first time with Amy.

Perhaps the biggest impact Amy had on Madi’s life, however, came in the classroom. As Madi started high school, she continued struggling with depression, and a lack of encouragement from friends or family to dream big. Madi confided in Amy that she dreamed to one day be a nurse, but was afraid it would be too hard. Amy knew it was up to her to help Madi realize this dream. Amy spent countless nights helping Madi study, making flash cards, and pushing her to keep going.

“I think that Big Brothers Big Sisters is amazing. It’s one of the best things that’s ever happened to me.”

By the spring of 2019, Madi graduated high school, and attended Oakland University for nursing that fall, thanks in large part to Amy’s encouragement. Unfortunately, Madi’s first year in college did not go as planned. After a semester at OU, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, and Madi was forced to move home. Despite no longer being officially matched, Madi still trusted Amy’s advice, and Amy encouraged her not to give up! Madi ultimately transferred to Delta College to continue her pursuit of a nursing degree. She got her own apartment, and eventually landed her first job in the medical field, working in a local nursing home. “I would not be in school right now if it wasn’t for Amy,” Madi shared.

Amy moved to metro-Detroit, but her and Madi remain close friends today. Madi attended Amy’s wedding, and still regularly spends time with Amy and her two young children. “Madi grew from a shy child to a confident, independent young woman,” Amy shared. The two of them plan to stay in each other’s lives, and both said that Big Brothers Big Sisters brought more to their lives than they ever imagined. “We were the perfect match,” Madi stated. “I think that Big Brothers Big Sisters is amazing. It’s one of the best things that’s ever happened to me.”

At 12-years-old, Madi was entering 6th grade showing signs of depression, a lack of drive in school, and apathy toward her future. Entering her most formative years, Madi was at-risk of going down a dark path. Madi’s Mom knew something needed to change. She had heard about Big Brothers Big Sisters, and since Madi grew up with all male siblings, her Mom thought a Big Sister could be just what Madi needed to set her on the path to a brighter future.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Region matched Madi with Amy. As a young professional, new to the area, Amy was ready to make her mark on her new community. After hearing from a co-worker about Big Brothers Big Sisters, Amy knew it was the perfect opportunity to make a difference. Before their first meeting, both Madi and Amy were nervous. Amy thought, “What if she doesn’t like me?” Madi thought “What if she thinks I’m weird?” Despite their concerns, they connected right away. “There were no awkward silences,” Madi stated. “We talked the entire time.”

Over the next seven years, Amy and Madi built the foundation for their lifelong friendship. They loved hanging out doing things outdoors. Amy recalled that Madi acted like tour guide for her, showing her everything her new city had to offer. They also enjoyed crafting, cooking and trying new foods together. Madi notes that Thai food is now one of her favorites, after experiencing it for the first time with Amy.

Perhaps the biggest impact Amy had on Madi’s life, however, came in the classroom. As Madi started high school, she continued struggling with depression, and a lack of encouragement from friends or family to dream big. Madi confided in Amy that she dreamed to one day be a nurse, but was afraid it would be too hard. Amy knew it was up to her to help Madi realize this dream. Amy spent countless nights helping Madi study, making flash cards, and pushing her to keep going.

By the spring of 2019, Madi graduated high school, and attended Oakland University for nursing that fall, thanks in large part to Amy’s encouragement. Unfortunately, Madi’s first year in college did not go as planned. After a semester at OU, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, and Madi was forced to move home. Despite no longer being officially matched, Madi still trusted Amy’s advice, and Amy encouraged her not to give up! Madi ultimately transferred to Delta College to continue her pursuit of a nursing degree. She got her own apartment, and eventually landed her first job in the medical field,
working in a local nursing home. “I would not be in school right now if it wasn’t for Amy,” Madi shared.

“I think that Big Brothers Big Sisters is amazing. It’s one of the best things that’s ever happened to me.”

Amy moved to metro-Detroit, but her and Madi remain close friends today. Madi attended Amy’s wedding, and still regularly spends time with Amy and her two young children. “Madi grew from a shy child to a confident, independent young woman,” Amy shared. The two of them plan to stay in each other’s lives, and both said that Big Brothers Big Sisters brought more to their lives than they ever imagined. “We were the perfect match,” Madi stated. “I think that Big Brothers Big Sisters is amazing. It’s one of the best things that’s ever happened to me.”