MATCH STORIES💚
The Power of Showing Up: Cherie & Razar’s Story
When Big Sister Cherie was matched with her Little, Razar, in June 2024, she knew she was signing up to make a difference. What she may not have realized was just how much the experience would impact both of their lives.
Like many matches, their friendship wasn’t built through grand gestures or extraordinary events. Instead, it has grown through something much more powerful: consistency, trust, and simply showing up.
Over the past two years, Cherie and Razar have spent time exploring their community, sharing meals, catching movies, listening to music during car rides, swimming in the creek, and playing basketball and football together. While these activities may seem simple, they have created the foundation for a meaningful and lasting connection.
For Razar, having a trusted adult who listens, encourages, and supports him has provided an additional source of confidence and stability. For Cherie, the experience has been a reminder that mentorship isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about being present.
“Some of the best moments happen during the everyday conversations,” Cherie shares. “Whether we’re driving somewhere, talking about school, or just having fun, those are the moments when relationships are built.”
At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie, Niagara & the Southern Tier, we know that mentorship changes lives. Research shows that young people with mentors are more likely to succeed academically, build confidence, and develop strong social and emotional skills. But behind every statistic is a story like Cherie and Razar’s — a story of connection, friendship, and the impact one caring adult can have.
As their journey continues, one thing is clear: the time Cherie invests today is helping to shape a brighter future for Razar tomorrow.
Because sometimes the most powerful thing you can do for a young person is simply show up.
Interested in making a BIG impact in a child’s life? Learn more about becoming a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie, Niagara & the Southern Tier at BBBSENST.org.
