Every year Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hastings makes dozens of matches. But one match is standing out.
News Five's Jeniffer Berry introduces us in today's Celebrate Youth.
Cammi Collier and Janiece Pittman are probably two of the truest friends you will ever meet.
"I needed someone fun who would be with me thorugh all the way. And just to hang in there with me because I know it takes me time to do stuff," said Janiece.
It takes time because Janiece has Cerebral Palsy and getting around is a little more difficult. But that is not a problem for Cammi. She likes Janiece just the way she is.
"If she is in a wheelchair, she may not be able to go to her afterschool activities and stuff, but that is fine. I would rather have Janiece as a friend than most of the people in the world," said Cammi.
From the way they talk about each other:
"Oh my gosh. A lot of laughs and fun. Best friendship I ever had," said Janiece.
You would think this friendship would be almost as old as they are, but it is not. You could say it was just the luck of a perfect match - Big Brothers, Big Sisters match that is.
"It sounded like a volunteer experience that would be good for me because it is just hanging out with someone. And then once I met that someone, we are actually a lot more than that, we are actually compatible friends. And she is not a little kid, she is my age," Cammi said.
That is right. Cammi is the 'big sister;' Janiece her little. But those roles disappeared quickly, just like the age gap of a year between these college and high school students. The mentor/mentee relationship became so much more.
"I would be the big sister in that I am the one that does the driving and I am the one that makes phonecalls and makes the specifics of plans. But Janiece looks out for me and I look out for her; it has been a lot of fun," said Cammi.
"It has been a great experience, and I cannot say anymore words. It has just been amazing," Janiece said.
And they have the pictures to prove it. From dressing up as superheroes for Big Brothers, Big Sisters events and painting nails to just being silly these two just cannot get enough time together.
"Cammi is creative and just a bundle of joy to be around," said Janiece.
"She has all the qualities I would like to find in a good friend. Just someone accepting and really nice; loving, and yeah," Cammi said.
Normally this pair would be ending their time together as Janiece graduates from Hastings High school she ages out of the Big Brother, Big Sister program, but Janiece would say:
"Cannot let this one go."
When it comes to this friendship, there is no end in sight
"We are going to keep going at it until the very end," said Janiece.
After all, how do you let go of the person who has taught you one of life's most valuable lessons.
"I just like people for who they are. I just like nice people," said Cammi.
Next year Cammi said she will apply to be a big sister for another girl.
Janiece said she also plans to stay involved with the program by helping volunteer at special events.
Also, we should say congratulations to Janiece. She will be graduating from Hastings High School this coming weekend.
