Being a Big has definitely made me feel more a part of the Ithaca community (being a college student from out-of-state and all). Getting to know Taniesha and her family, and knowing that there's someone here who relies on me, has contributed to my sense of belonging in Ithaca. In addition to that, Taniesha and I have been able to discover fun things to do in and around Ithaca together: Cass Park (biking and ice skating!), the Nature Center, the YMCA, Farmer's Market, the Sound Maze, Apple Festival, Syracuse baseball, and even the Ithaca College game room (once Taniesha learned how to play chess, checkers, and pool, we went to the game room every week for about a month!). I think we've both gained a deeper understanding of, and appreciation for, our community because of our friendship.
Shannon & Taniesha have been matched in the program since Dec. 2008
