2009 Big Sister of the Year

The Big Sister of the Year is Debbie Groulik of Fort Wayne, Indiana, matched with her now 18-year-old Little Sister, Jocelyn, for nearly 10 years. Ask 18-year-old Jocelyn to describe what it's like to have Big Sister Debbie Groulik in her life and she will tell you the mentoring relationship has made a world of difference -- literally. "When I was little, I would look at National Geographic magazines and see faraway places; meanwhile, Debbie was traveling all over the place," Jocelyn wrote in her essay nominating Groulik for Big Sister of the Year. As Jocelyn became older she took advantage of every opportunity to travel that came her way through educational and other community programs. "I went to different countries: Australia, Japan, Scotland and England. Without Debbie, I never would have thought it possible to be able to go to the far edges of Earth to see things that I had only seen in pictures and to have some of the best experiences of my life." Groulik finds it hard to believe how anxious she was, having to gain courage and reassurance from her Big Brothers Big Sisters match coordinator the morning before she met Jocelyn. Over the years, the two grew to learn that they had much in common and Groulik discovered how much she has influenced Jocelyn's decision to be a serious student, a patient listener and to explore every opportunity that comes her way. Jocelyn will attend college this fall. Her goals are to complete her degree with a double major and to thank her by becoming a Big Sister, herself, some day. "I'm very proud of her and can see the potential in her as she continues to mature and I look forward to our lifetime of friendship," Groulik said.

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Nonprofits & Activism

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