JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — It takes a LITTLE to be BIG, is the mission behind Big Brothers Big Sisters, the nation’s largest youth mentoring organization.

In honor of Big Brothers Big Sisters month, our very own Christina Burgess introduces us to her little sister, Ma’kiya.

Ma’kiya Smith is a smart, energetic and curious 7-year-old. Smith became my little sister back in March.

Both of us were brought together by Big Brothers Big Sisters. The nation’s largest and oldest youth mentoring program.

Sara Alford, the CEO for the Northeast Florida chapter, tells First Coast News that last year there were around 700 mentoring pairs, in the 8 counties in this region.

“This gives you the opportunity to see it from someone else’s vantage point and really start to say how can I continue to create access and belonging and opportunity by doing really fun things,” said Alford. 

My little sister Ma’kiya and I have been on quite a few adventures.

“What was really fun was we went to the beach and we went to the jump park,” said Smith.

From cartwheels at the beach to laughing at the circus, to learning at the zoo. Every outing becomes a memory.

When Ma’kiya’s not climbing monkey bars, she’s reaching toward success in school

“I got all A’s because I did my work and turned in my homework and followed directions,” she said. 

Big Brothers Big Sisters has helped thousands of kids like Ma’kiya, through the power of mentorship

“It really takes so little to be big and we’re hopeful that more people will consider sharing their time,” said Alford. 

“I have a great time and we go to fun places,” said Smith.

“Being your big sister has been so much fun,” said Christina Burgess.

From sky-gazing to playing at the park, these moments may seem little but they leave a big impact. One that will last a lifetime.

BIGS are required to commit one year to the program and meet with their LITTLE for a minimum of four hours a month. You can choose from school-based or community-based mentoring. There is a continuous need for BIGS in this program, if you’re interested in learning more about how to become one, click here.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Northeast Florida will be hosting their Margarita J’Ville event on Friday, September 26, 2025 at the Mavi Waterfront Bar & Grill located in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Guests will enjoy live music, eat delicious island inspired cuisine, and sip drinks. Click here for more information.