Momentum - Business to Business Online Magazine November 2017 | Page 14

A Sisterhood That Will Last Forever By: Shannon Burke, CHPC Executive Director Gulf Coast Big Brothers Big Sisters [email protected] hard work would pay off. A month later, Emily received an academic scholarship to the University and declared pre- pharmacy as her major. Little Sister Emily waited for months before being matched with a mentor. Raised by her father and following the death of her Grandmother, Emily’s Dad knew she needed a female role model in life and signed her up with Gulf Coast Big Brothers Big Sisters. Emily was a sophomore at Ball High School when she was matched with Big Sister Cecilia. “When the day finally came, I was nervous to meet her. Luckily we clicked, the conversation kept rolling and our first outing together went great.” As a fourth-year medical student at UTMB, Cecilia dedicated her limited free time to Emily. They got to know each other over coffee and studying together. “We used to watch Netflix and bake cookies; it’s one of my favorite moments of us being together. We both felt so at ease, we had wonderful conversation and a bunch of laughs and smiles,” said Emily. Cecilia found that being a mentor simply meant being a friend. Their friendship continued to blossom and Emily never doubted that Cecilia would be there for her. She attended her band concerts, football games, even her National Honor Society induction. “She was always there in the crowd. She really invested into the relationship because that’s the type of person she is.” When Emily began thinking about her future beyond high school, Cecilia challenged her to turn her can’t into can, and her dreams into plans. With her heart set on attending The University of St. Thomas – Houston, Emily knew she needed a high ACT score to be accepted. Big Sister Cecelia purchased books for Emily to study from and consistently encouraged her with the belief that her 13 MOMENTUM / November 2017 Emily was also the recipient of the Gulf Coast Big Brothers Big Sisters Betty Schocke Scholarship. It is awarded to Littles in the program who best demonstrate how having a Big impacted their decision to further their education. She credits her Big Sister with receiving the scholarships, saying, “I would never have gotten any of that without her belief in me and kindness.” “I am immensely proud of all that she has accomplished and will continue to accomplish. I admire how Emily is resilient, humble and kind. She continues to overcome each obstacle and challenge that she faces. I know she will go on to accomplish great things and make a difference in the lives of others,” says Cecilia. Emily plans on becoming a Community Pharmacist or Pharmaceutical Manager. Her other future goals include one day getting married and starting a family, who will be seen by the soon-to-be-Pediatrician, Cecelia. “I keep in contact with Cecilia, and I forever will. Due to Big Brothers and Big Sisters I have gained a sisterhood that will last forever.”