One Year “Friendiversary”: 1 year down, looking forward to many more
by Christine Ngigi
Christine and her Friend Millie recently celebrated their 1-year anniversary of being matched in JBBBS’ Friend 2 Friend program. Christine took some time to answer JBBBS’ questions in a recent interview.
Do you have a favorite memory with your match?
Apart from the day we first met in person, I must say Yom Sport is the most favorite memory so far. It was the first time for each of us participating in Yom Sport and we both had so much fun and were fully engaged the whole time! (Yom Sport is a day for athletes with disabilities to come together and participate in a variety of sporting and team building events.) I remember on our way home; we were both in agreement that it was so much fun and we can’t wait for next year.
What is your favorite activity to do with your match?
There are too many to pick one! We are like two peas in a pod. We both love capturing memories by taking pictures, we enjoy shopping in different stores; Millie is so great with picking different shopping spots each time and a meticulous planner, too. She amazes me every day.
I particularly enjoyed our painting experience at the Ceramica Paint Studio because I got to share my love of art with Millie and learn something new at the same time. I had never painted on clay before, and she happily took me through all the steps until we made the cutest pieces of art! We had so much fun and enjoyed a nice personal conversation too while at it.
What would you say to someone who is considering volunteering?
If you are wondering how you can do this with no prior experience with persons with disabilities, the training provided equipped me prior to starting my match experience.
The matching process was thorough, and I appreciate it more now as I spend time with Millie because she is simply perfect for me! We complement each other in many ways, and this was made possible by the diligence put in by the JBBBS Clinical Match Specialists (CMS). The CMS’s were careful to incorporate my personal preferences, so clarity and honesty of any potential volunteer is important.
What is it like to be matched for one year?
When I was starting this journey, I was not sure how I would make it to meet with Millie every month with my back-to-back schedule due to my two jobs. I was honestly scared because I like keeping my word and take pride in being reliable. I have been very blessed because Millie and Millie’s mother, are very understanding and flexible of my erratic schedule so we do day, afternoon, or evening activities so that we can meet as scheduled without fail.
I am so glad I took the step to volunteer with JBBBS. The next years will only be better!
Christine Ngigi is a warm and loving daughter, sister and doting aunt to many adorable nieces and nephews with over 10 years HR & Administration and Biotechnology professional work experience. She holds a Masters of Business Administration and takes pride in being reliable, impartial, resourceful and consistently deliver high quality work. She is currently enjoying being part of the transformative process of improving patients’ health through innovative health solutions at Thermofisher Scientific’s production line.
Christine enjoys a good outdoor run, quality time with friends and family and mentoring/nurturing the younger generation by listening intently to their needs and giving them the right counsel.