About six years ago, Katherine entered my life. Her smile was immediately contagious and her enthusiasm in her voice was unforgettable. We have been to BEARS, BULLS, CHICAGO FIRE GAMES, CUBS GAMES, AND EVEN A LAKE COUNTY Fielders Baseball Game. We have traveled to the Milwaukee Zoo, Six Flags Great America, and many Museums together. We even share Holidays and Birthdays. She also picked out my outfit that I wore to my 30th BDay Party. Recently, I had the opportunity to take Katherine to a fashion show at Macy's Department Store.
I have seen Katherine grow and mature right in front of my very own eyes. One moment that sticks out in my head is when she decided to compete at the National American Miss Beauty Pageant. I was so fortunate I was able to watch the final night in St. Charles, Illinois. It was time to announce the winner of the Best Top Model in the State of Illinois. I was not prepared for what was about to happen.. They announced her name, KATHERINE KILLEEN!!! I felt so very proud of her at that moment. Words can barely describe or capture that moment properly. Seeing her walk across that stage with that smile of hers brought tears to my eyes. The biggest challene now was what was happening next..... She had qualified for the National Pageant in California. However, at that time, her Mom has lost her job and was unemployed. How could her own Mother tell her she couldn't go? Well, here is when I stepped in and thought, WE CAN DO THIS!!!! SHE IS GOING TO GET TO CALIFORNIA... With the help of friends, local businesses, and hard work, she got to California; an experience her family and I will NEVER forget.
Katherine and I have taken a journey together that is still going. Not only has Katherine learned from me, I have learned from her as well.. I feel so honored that Katherine is my little SIster because I know she will ALWAYS be my little sister.
The term "mentoring" actually comes from the GREEK word that means enduring. This is a committed relationship between a youth and an adult wherein the adult has the patience to teach the youth whatever she knows from life. It is the adult's responsibility to provide support, assistance, and guidance as the younger one faces new challenges and problems everyday.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Metro Chicago is truly an amazing program. It truly changes people's lives.
For more information, please refer to the website:http://www.bbbschgo.org/site/c.bkLUKcOVLkK2E/b.6384659/k.F0BF/Home_Page.htm
The CEO Art's E-mail is:Mollenhauer@bbbschgo.org
Silpada jewelry will be displayed. TEN PERCENTof each sale will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters Metro Chicago.
Keep in mind that Mother's Day and Graduations are coming up!!
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