My journey

High school reminds me of the time when popularity was the only concerns for many. As I look back, I can only remember the times spent at basketball, football games and especially with the girls of Big Sister Little Sister now called Sisters Inc. I joined the club my freshman year not knowing what its outcome would be. This is the place where I met many of my peers and gained many friends. I still talk to my big sister, Tesha, occasionally and during breaks when we meet it’s like a huge reunion. I learned a lot about people and through time, I learned a lot about myself.

Now that I am college student, I look at myself in a different way. From high school to now, I started to gain confidence within myself and learned to accept me for me. My self-esteem is increasing and I am staring to look at things in a positive light. Growing as a person, I am learning to deal with my fears of not being accepted and not having friends. Even in college, the social life seems to be the hardest part for me. I never was the one to follow the crowd because normally no one has any direction. As I deal with others, I became closer to God and learned to have patience. At times I question myself as to what is right for me and how I can make a difference. Majoring in architecture gives me the chance to face my fear of failure and learn to speak up and defend myself. Even though I love doing the work, I hate for my work to be under appreciated or talked down about. At times, I take some time out of the week and make it about myself to see how I can become a better person spiritually, physically, and mentally. For me, everyday is a struggle and I take things one day at time.

Author: Jalisa Bey

King College Prep HS: Class of 2010

Tuskegee University: Class of 2014 

My S.I.S.T.E.R.S. Keeper

 I love my S.I.S.T.E.R.S! I have developed into a stronger young lady over my four years as a member of the S.I.S.T.E.R.S Inc. mentoring program. The wisdom I have acquired from this program has helped mold my character in pursuit of success. I was a little sister, or mentee, when I first became involved with S.I.S.T.E.R.S Inc., which was originally known as Big Sister Little Sister. It was difficult for me to be confident, independent, and sociable as a freshman. This program helped improve my self-esteem and communication skills. Several activities such as the fashion show, sleepover, “girls’ day out”, and bonfire party created a stronger bond among us. We had confidential discussions about issues we all experienced. We understood, trusted, and cared for one another. Being a mentee gave me guidance of how to be an excellent mentor.

     It is now my responsibility to provide knowledge and guidance to my mentee as a big sister. Ms. Owens and prior big sisters have enlightened me with valuable morals that I carry and instill into my little sitter. This program has inspired, prepared, encouraged, and provided me with knowledge through an array of enriching activities that helped my self esteem, character and leadership. It taught me the importance of respecting others and myself, promoting community service, and creating a future. It helped mold me into a well-developed young woman. I will always live by our motto, which states, “we may not be bonded by blood, but we will always be a sisterhood. S.I.S.T.E.R.S Inc. is more than a program to include on my resume. It’s an asset to my family!

Author:Demetrius McClay

 King College Prep: Class of 2011

College: Howard University, Class of 2015