It's a new match, years in the making.
More than a decade before Micheala Mathiesen became a Big Sister, she became a Little Sister.
"Having Brandy, a strong independent woman in my life every week, I felt cool, like a self esteem boost to have someone like her want to hang out with me every week," said Mathiesen of her former Big Sister. "I had such a great experience with her as a kid that I decided to pay it forward and become a Big Sister myself."
She found her match this time in 10-year-old Annabelle.
"I always thought about having a Big Sister who's always around and actually having fun with and spending time with," said Annabelle.
Annabelle's single mom wanted a new voice in her daughter's life -- maybe someone in addition to her real sister.
"She's nice, but mood swings and stuff," said Annabelle laughing.
For Mathiesen, paying it forward in that way isn't quite enough. So, she decided to work at Big Brothers Big Sisters, too.
"I do love it. It's such a wonderful program," said Mathiesen. "It's so much fun to work here. It's great to be a part of something that's having such a positive impact on kids' lives."
Especially on Annabelle's life.
"We are the perfect little match, and I could definitely see us being friends for a long time," said Mathiesen.
Many kids are still on the Big Brothers Big Sisters waiting list. To sign up, click here.
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Justin Wilfon can be reached at justin.wilfon@kshb.com.
