Little Sister Maniya Finds Support and Purpose with Big Sister Shelley
“If I needed to cry or talk about something she was there, and that made a huge difference for me” Maniya, Little Sister.
Maniya moved to Vancouver from Iran with her mother and brother in June 2022. It was challenging to begin a new life in an unfamiliar place, as Maniya recalls “New people, new school, new everything”.
While adjusting to her new life, Maniya faced feelings of depression and had difficulties making friends in Vancouver. In school, she found herself enjoying Pre-Calculus, but struggling with English.
Maniya always had a passion for helping others, having taken care of her grandmother during her time in Iran, but now she needed to find support of her own.
Overcoming Obstacles with the Help of a Mentor
It was clear that Maniya needed help and she was excited when her aunt introduced her to the Big Sisters’ Study Buddy program, a program her cousin had been a part of since the age of 7.
Maniya was matched with her Big Sister Shelley and the two began meeting at a coffee shop near Maniya’s school. Shelley’s warm presence helped Maniya feel comfortable, allowing her to share her thoughts freely and bond with her mentor. “When I first met Shelley, I was feeling shy and a bit nervous. I remember she had a cool yellow phone case and was welcoming and just made me feel at ease”.
From that moment on the two met weekly, focusing their time on Maniya’s English homework assignments. As Maniya’s relationship with Shelley grew, she began building confidence in English class. It was comforting to have a person to turn to in challenging times. “We talked almost every day and she was able to help me through difficult situations in my life, even outside of my studies”.
Maniya felt Shelley was more than just a mentor and was grateful for Shelley’s support during the highs and lows. She felt seen and began to find purpose in her life. Over time, Maniya developed her writing skills and she eventually got an A in English class.
Realizing Her Dream
Today, Maniya is taking the next step in her journey, in her new home of Vancouver. “My dream is to become a nurse. I used to take care of my Grandma in Iran so I hope that someday I can take care of more people”. In September, Maniya begins a general sciences program.
Maniya is a recipient of the Big Sisters’ Bright Futures Education Fund (BFEF), a scholarship program that supports Little Sisters in their post-secondary pursuits. This September, everything will be new once again – but this time, she has the support, experience and confidence to overcome any new challenges and struggles that she will face.
How You Can Help – Support a Little Sister Like Maniya
Donate to Big Sisters today – your support helps ensure every girl who needs a mentor has the opportunity to be matched.