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24 24 'Big Sister' honored for help Destiny's future and were planning to tour some college campuses in the fall," said Allen. "She wants to be a doctor, and I'm encouraging her to take it one step at a time." When they were first matched, Allen said she played board games and worked puzzles with Destiny in the school library, or pushed her on swings in the playground. As Destiny progressed through elementary, middle and high school, there were new and different challenges, Allen said. Instead of playing games and swinging together, Allen began helping her little sister with geometry and algebra homework. As Destiny grew older and her social life became more hectic with dance practice, band and Friday night football games, Allen began to wonder if she was still needed. "I was afraid Destiny would be embarrassed to have her name called out over the intercom and be pulled out of class," Allen said. "I'd ask her at the end of every school year if I was coming back in August, and she would always say, 'Yes ma'am.'" Like Destiny, Allen's life has changed greatly in the past eight years. When she met her little sister, Allen was a newlywed. Now she has three children, ages 6, 4 and 1. "We've had a lot of ups and downs," Allen said. "Destiny has moved to different schools and different houses, and had to deal with family health issues at home. I've gone from being single to newly married to a mom with three children. We have both grown a lot and things have changed on both our ends, but we've managed to hang in there." Destiny said Allen has been her own special "angel," guiding her and keeping her on the right track. "Allison has engaged in my life and my schoolwork, as well as mentored and cared for me as if I were her own," Destiny said. "I know that's why I appreciate our connection every single day. I've learned from Allison not to be afraid of things when they fall apart because she knows when the tables turn, life can rebuild itself differently and better." Allison said after mentoring Destiny for eight years, it's often hard to remember she's not her "mama." "I'm persistent with her because my mama was persistent with me," Allen said. "I want to see Destiny through graduation and college. I want to help her get set so she can support herself and create a life for herself. I care about her, and I'm not going to give up on her." By Carla Davis Destiny is now a senior in high school.