My Big Sister

Grade 6 speech

Brittany, age 11

About five years ago, I became involved with the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. At first I went to a group program once a week but almost two years ago, I met Jordana who became my big sister. I’ve also become friends with Jordana’s husband named Jay and her dog named Marquez.  I like spending time with them because they are nice to me and I’ve learned a lot of things.

Jordana is 28 years old and works in the public relations department at General Motors Windsor Transmission Plant. Jordana likes to do a strange sport called Pilates, read novels about Africa and cook. When I’m over for dinner she can make anything from red curry chicken to red pepper hummus.  We hang out almost every week. It’s a lot fun because we do new things. We go out for Thai food. We attend musicals like Cats and Annie. And, last summer we went to the Detroit Metro Zoo where I discovered polar bears and prairie dogs. Thanks to Jordana I now feel comfortable ordering food off of a menu and I learned my times-tables.

Jay is 31 years old and is a lawyer at Sutts, Strosberg LLP. Jay enjoys hanging out with Jordana and their dog, watching Detroit Pistons games and reading non-fiction books about politics. The only time that I see Jay is when I come over for dinner. Usually when I come over we talk about music or outer space. It’s from Jay that I found out about a famous singer named Frank Sinatra and the Hubble Telescope web site where I can look at stars, nebula and planets. 

Another important part of my big sister’s family is her dog named Marquez. Marquez is a two and a half year old goldendoodle. Marquez’s first family was going to put her to sleep but Jay and Jordana rescued her. She doesn’t have a job but she keeps busy playing with squeaky stuffed animals and running outside. Marquez is a really good dog but has bad luck. She’s had three surgeries in the past two years. But don’t worry, she’s going to be okay. You might be surprised but I’ve learned some things from this dog. I know how to teach other dogs to do puppy push-ups and to sit and wait at a corner when on a walk.