Growing Up Together-Sally and Kayla

Hi everyone, my name is Sally Shughart. My Little Sister Kayla and I have been matched for five years. I am honored to tell you all a little bit about our Match Story.

In the fall of 2001, I met a Big Brothers Big Sisters representative at The University of Kansas during my first year of Medical School. I decided that I wanted to join the program to make an impact on a child’s life and to also have an excuse to do fun kid stuff.

When I first applied to the program, my Case Manager, Denise said, she had the perfect girl for me. Denise couldn’t have been more right. Kayla has been the perfect match and I love her dearly.

Kayla and I have a special bond and always enjoy our time together. A typical weekly outing involves going to pick Kayla up on Sunday mornings. We head to church and then grab a bite to eat afterwards. Then, we spend our afternoon doing a whole assortment of things: taking trips to the park, going swimming, baking cookies, dancing in the living room or going to the movies.

The great thing about Kayla is that she is very adaptable. I can take her anywhere and she just fits in and enjoys herself. She conducts herself like a lady and I’m always proud to take her anywhere. She can enjoy anything from a classical piano concert to riding four wheelers through the mud. She loves to laugh and have a good time.

One of my greatest memories was our ten day trip to the east coast. We went to Washington D.C. and saw all of the monuments and the Smithsonian museums. Then, we went to Baltimore for one of my friend’s wedding. After that we headed to Virginia and spent a couple of days hiking in the mountains and visiting my old college. We finished off the trip by spending a few days at Myrtle Beach. That was Kayla’s first time on a commercial plane and first time to see the ocean.

In the last 5 years, Kayla’s just become part of my family. If we have a family event or celebration, Kayla’s expected to be there. She goes with me to weddings, birthdays, Christmas, and just the usual get-togethers. My whole family just loves her.

Last summer we took a trip to New York to see my mom before I started residency. We rode bikes all along the Erie Canal, got sprayed by mist from the Niagara Falls, and went to Canada for a day of shopping. We both got to wade in Lake Ontario while we were there. I must also mention, we spent a great deal of time eating my mom’s cooking and vegging out on the couch with some good books.

Kayla has had to move several times in the past few years. At times I think it has been difficult on her and I think it has really helped to have me by her side to help adjust to the new schools, classes, friends, etc. Even with all the changes she has managed to still do well in school and make good friends. This last move has been the hardest, Kayla and her family moved to Marshall, MN about a year ago. We only get to see each other about every 3 months. But we keep in touch with weekly phone calls.

Despite the moves, I believe Kayla and I will always be close. We can’t predict where life will take us, but we’ve made it this far and we’re very committed to each other. A lasting friendship takes work and we both do our part to keep our bond strong. I’m looking forward to the next few years as Kayla starts high school. I can just picture us going to pick out a prom dress and celebrating as she graduates from high school.

Being a Big is a wonderful blessing. Through this program, I’ve grown as a person and had the opportunity to watch a little girl that I love grow as well. Every time Kayla laughs and smiles I know it’s worth it. And when she tells me she loves me, I know this match has been one of the greatest blessings in my life.