Marilee has been affiliated with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Polk County, now a part of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, for more than 14 years! Following her first match, which lasted seven years, Marilee met Ay’Sha in 2008 during a site-based program at a Lakeland elementary school. The two are still successfully matched today!
Once a week, Marilee would visit with her Little Sister at school to help Ay’Sha with some of her reading and math difficulties. As time progressed, the two enjoyed their time together so much that they continued their match through the community-based program.
While they continued to work on improving Ay’Sha’s school work, they also spent plenty of time discussing some of life’s bigger issues – such as making friends and fitting in at school. They always still found opportunities to have fun and enjoy a lot of different activities together. When Ay’Sha was 11 Marilee even taught her how to swim, and now going to the pool is one of their favorite activities.
Throughout Marilee and Ay’Sha’s seven-year match, they have had many fun times and experiences together. But Ay’Sha says she simply loves any time the two spend together, laughing and talking.
As Ay’Sha put it, “my Big Sister is the greatest!”
