Nine years! That’s how long Emily and Holly have been matched.
Through the years this Haywood County match has shared a lot. Conversations while hiking and baking led to big talks. Time together has deepened their friendship, and now each of them considers the other family.
“When Emily and I were matched,” Holly said, “she was eight years old and I was in my mid-20s, still single and early in my career. I got to watch her grow from a cute little kid into a poised young adult. And likewise, she saw me through pivotal phases of my life as I bought a house, dated, married my husband, and grew my career.
“By introducing us and supporting us in the earlier years of the match, BBBS had created something real and lasting.”
“Holly and Emily have enlightened me as to how positive a relationship can be between a Big and a Little. Seeing the connection they have made me feel proud to be part of an organization that builds a forever connection between people.” Patty Bach, BBBS Haywood Program Coordinator
Holly loves how BBBSWNC nurtured the relationship so that it grew on its own. Though BBBSWNC often offers suggestions and arranges match outings, Holly appreciates how the organization let her and Emily shape the match into whatever worked for them.
“That was one of the most attractive things to me about it when I first applied to the program in 2016,” she said. “I wanted to give back to my community and to make a difference in kids’ lives, but at the time my work schedule was chaotic and not conducive to committing to a regular volunteer schedule, as would be required for most opportunities.
“I appreciated how BBBS let Emily and I work out for ourselves when would work best to get together and what activities we’d like to do.”
The two have always been up for trying something new. Several years ago they were among the many people who jumped into Lake Junaluska (in February!) to raise money for Kids in the Creek, a program run by Haywood Waterways Association to teach kids about the importance of local bodies of water. They even baked cookies to sell at the Haywood County event.
“I’m so proud of Emily and the person she is becoming and has become,” Holly said. “Over the years, I’ve seen her grow into someone who is kind and thoughtful toward others, an interested and interesting conversationalist, and also incredibly focused and a hard worker on the things that matter to her.”
Now, Emily is enrolled in AB Tech’s nationally recognized culinary arts program, fulfilling a lifelong dream to become a chef that was nurtured by her Big Sister.
“I know that her kind heart and diligent work ethic will take her places,” Holly said. “And I hope that, occasionally, my house for dinner will continue to be one of them.”
