A Message From Christine Fujino
Little Sister Jazzy's Incredible Story of How Her Big Sister Lesley (Big Sister of the Year 2016) Helped Her Overcome Hardship
My life in Guam was a little difficult for me. I couldn’t do anything. I was 4 of 5 and I wanted to move on to a better life. I wanted to go to school so I can learn, I wanted to learn how to be better so I can support others that needs help. My grandma came to visit from Chuuk. She was moving to Hawaii and I wanted to go live with her because I thought she’ll be able to give me a better life.
When I moved to Hawaii, we were homeless. When I went to school the first day, it was difficult; I didn’t understand. The teacher called me to answer but I couldn’t read it. After, we moved to the shelter at Kakaako this lady came one time and handed out papers about Big Brothers Big Sisters. She said it’s a program where you get a big sister to take you places and help you learn things; I like learning new things. I asked grandma if I can have a big sister and my grandma said okay.
When I first met Lesley, I felt shy and nervous. I could only say a few words and I couldn’t say a whole sentence. Lesley was really kind and she asked me to go to the movies so I said okay. It was my first time going to the movie theater. Every time I saw her, Lesley would ask me if I wanted to go to someplace new and I would say yes. In addition to movies, she took me to Kualoa Ranch to ride a horse for the first time, and she took me fishing for the first time. Well, we went fishing but didn’t catch any fish; it was still really fun.
She asks me what I am learning in school and what I am having a hard time with. I asked her to help me in math because it was difficult and she did. Lesley is special because she is able to explain things to me so that I understand it and get better at it. I realized that by being with Lesley, she would help me accomplish my goals at school and one day I would get to go to college. She taught me to speak clearly, never be shy and to help others that need help. Lesley taught me that if I help other people, other people will help me when I need help too. She told me to have courage, smile and show greatness always.
I’m happy because when I’m with Lesley, she gives me advice. She shows me what’s right and what’s not right. Because of Lesley, I know I can go to college one day. I want to study and get into college and make my own club that people can join. I want to make a club that can help kids get ready for school and tell them what they need to do to become what they want to be when they grow up. I also want to help other kids get their own Big Brother or Big Sister. I’m so happy that Lesley is my Big Sister and I want other kids to be happy too.
