For Littles in the high school class of 2018, the inaugural Bright Futures Brunch celebration culminated the end of their high school journey and celebrated the start of a new one.
The brunch was hosted by Big Brothers Big Sisters Destination Future program, which provides access to valuable college and career resources for youth through the age of 25.
This year, 99% of students graduated on-time and 80% of graduates are pursuing a post-secondary plan. During the Bright Futures Brunch, many of the Littles who spoke attributed their accomplishment to their mentor.
“Juan has always been there to support me,” said Little Brother Josue, who has been matched with Juan since February 2013. “Without him, I don’t think I would’ve ever graduated. He always had me on the right track.”
Here, three matches reflect on the impact of mentorship:
Big Brother Ian
Little Brother Leo
Matched since October 2014
“The first couple years were pretty fun. We had probably 276 In-N-Out hamburgers, saw a lot of movies, went body surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, saw the space shuttle. … But about junior year things started getting serious. We started taking AP classes, diving into the FAFSA, UC and Cal state apps. We’ve done 14-hour road trips to UC Merced to check out campuses. He’s now going to UCSB to study physics.” – Ian
“He’s helped me out with my school work, job, interviews, resumes. He’s been very helpful and I’m grateful for that. I’m grateful to have him as my Big.” – Leo
Big Sister Stephanie
Little Sister Zainya
Matched since January 2014
“Over the years, I’ve learned that Stephanie is the most kind hearted, passionate and understanding person that deserves nothing short of this world. From high school fears she has turned into comforts, from high school stress she has turned into a lot less, she has been my biggest supporter. She was there to welcome me into high school and now she cheers me as I walk. I can’t express my appreciation, gratitude and love I have for her. Not only do we have memories but we have an unbreakable bond.” – Zainya
Big Sister Jaime
Little Sister Rachel
Matched since May 2008
“It’s been a great experience with Rachel. She has seen me through a boyfriend that became my fiancé. She was in my wedding. She is now the aunt to my little girl. I hope that one day I’ll be in her wedding. I told her this morning this isn’t goodbye. She is stuck with me forever. … Congratulations to all the Littles on graduating the program and high school, going off to college. It’s a really big deal.” – Jaime
A very special thank you to the Disneyland Resort for providing park hopper tickets to each match, as well as Cox Communications for donating iPads to every graduating Little.
