 Rikki Watkins and Little Sister Marguerite
by Katie Best
Rikki works for US Bank and recently received a volunteer service award, which provided a $1000 donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters on her behalf. Rikki is involved with the BBBS Ambassador Team, and has helped staff booths in the community to help recruit more volunteers. She and her Little Sister, Marguerite, have been matched for a little over six years.
When Rikki was invited to come along on an outing with her best friend and her Little Sister, Rikki didn’t expect to want to become a Big Sister herself. Like many of our volunteers, she was surprised to learn how much of an impact our Littles have on their Bigs. She was amazed by how much fun the two had and upon returning home, immediately called Big Brothers Big Sisters to learn how she could get her own Little.
Once she completed the enrollment process, Rikki arrived at our office to meet with her Little for the first time. Rikki said that throughout the entire meeting she had a difficult time talking to Marguerite and was “scared that the match wouldn’t work out.” She was told that Marguerite was quiet but would open up once she became more comfortable around her new Big Sister. Both Little and Big took a chance and agreed to be matched together.
“The first few times we got together, Marguerite remained quiet and shy,” recalls Rikki, “but she really began to open up after about our seventh get together.” Rikki adds, “We now joke that there is something about my car that turns her into a blabber mouth once her caboose hits the front seat.”
Rikki and Marguerite enjoy doing many activities together, including scrapbooking, shopping, camping and going to dinner. Rikki says that she loves Marguerite because they are able to completely be themselves around each other. She also says that while she may have opened a few doors for her Little Sister, Marguerite has encouraged Rikki to do things she never thought she would do again - like putting on a pair of ice skates! Marguerite’s mother, Leah, says “as a single parent, I really appreciate Rikki being available to help guide Marguerite.” Leah believes that Rikki “is a true blessing to our family.”
One memory that sticks out in Rikki’s mind is Marguerite’s 15th birthday. Rikki received a call from Marguerite and thought her voice sounded cracked, as if she was upset. Marguerite explained that she just realized that they could only be a match for three more years and wished they had more time. Rikki was surprised by Marguerite’s concern and sense of urgency and said, “Marguerite, don’t you know that we are friends and that our friendship will last long after our match is closed?” Rikki truly believes that their friendship will last long after their BBBS match closes and thinks she is so lucky to have watched Marguerite grow up into such an amazing young woman.
Marguerite is no longer shy or reserved. Leah says that she is involved in a lot of different community activities and even applied for the Youth of the Year award at the Boys and Girls Club. Leah believes that Marguerite never would have done that without Rikki’s help and support.
Rikki hopes through her experience, others will be encouraged to volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters. “Everyone thinks that being a Big will take too much time, but what they do not realize is that the requirement is only 2-3 times a month.” Rikki wishes that she were able to spend more time with her little. “Marguerite is so awesome. We could spend entire weekends together and not get sick of each other.”
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