“Demry Didn’t Know What It Was Like to Dream”

When Nancy first met Demry, she saw a quiet girl who kept to herself, whose childhood experiences had left her withdrawn and uncertain.  Nancy knew just what she needed.  “I had raised two sons,” she says, “and now I had the chance to hang out with a girl and help her learn to be strong.”

Being strong, of course, doesn’t mean you don’t have fun.    Some of the best times they have at school together involve smiling, giggling, sharing secrets and even learning to hula hoop.  But it’s clear that for Nancy, their time together is about more than just positive experiences … it’s about helping her Little Sister feel positive about who she is and what she can become. 

What does it take to help a young person gain confidence?  The #1 thing is just knowing someone cares and will be there for them.  When Demry broke her leg, Nancy was the first to arrive with a care package and a “get well” message.  When they were apart over the summer, Nancy sent a postcard every single week.

The power of mentoring is showing in the way Demry smiles, the way she walks and carries herself.  Her teacher describes the improvement this way: “Demry has come out of her shell.”

Demry recently made a list she called “20 Things I Love About Nancy.”    Among them were “always on time,” “smart and wise,” “asking good questions to get me to open up,” “makes me laugh” and, of course, “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” 

Nancy’s example is so inspirational that her local Big Brothers Big Sisters office nominated her for National Big Sister of the Year.   But Nancy would tell you she’s already won the biggest prize of all.  That’s watching Demry grow from a shy girl into a confident young woman — one who walks with her head up, smiles, and dreams of what she can be.

Do you have what it takes to help a young person grow more confident?    

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