Match Profile: Shawn and Tristan

Date: October 4, 2022

A kind, intelligent, and creative 10-year old with a great sense of humor, Little Sister Tristan was on the waiting list for almost eight (8) months. Both she and her mother waited patiently for an engaging, intelligent, physically active, and positive Big Sister. Tristan’s mother also shared she hoped we would find a Big Sister willing to be “in partnership” with her so that together, they could help her daughter succeed academically, socially, and personally.

Big Sister Shawn grew up in Florida and in Orangeburg, SC. She relocated to Charleston to accept an Industrial Engineering position at Boeing, where she is now a Project Engineer. Her interest in joining Big Brothers Big Sisters stemmed from her previous experiences of mentoring youth through her local alumni chapter of South Carolina State University, her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, and her desire to become a mentor in a one-on-one relationship. When we told her about Tristan’s personality and life experiences, Shawn was thrilled and confident that they would develop a special bond.

Shawn and Tristan were matched in March 2021 and Tristan shared that she, “loves spending time with Shawn and cannot wait for their next outing.” She explains, “Shawn is nice, funny, and really cool to be around. I think you found the perfect Big Sister for me.”

When we asked Tristan’s mother about her first impression of Shawn, she stated, “I am impressed with her accomplishments as a young African American female and excited that she was eager to mentor Tristan.” She continued, “Tristan has really enjoyed herself with Shawn.”

When we asked Shawn to reflect on their first one-on-one encounter as a match, Shawn shared that Tristan is “full of personality with her own sense of humor” and that she was “excited to spend more time with her and get to know her further.” One of their first outings was attending the North Charleston arts fair, which was a new experience for them both.

Since being matched, Shawn and Tristan have spent time together playing Monopoly, making chocolate mug cakes, and attending sports games. South Carolina State football and volleyball along with Charleston Riverdogs games are their favorites! Shawn also enjoys watching Tristan play volleyball on her school’s team.

“I am so proud of the young lady she is growing into!” said Shawn.