Big Couple Andrew & Alex and Little Brother Jesus
Meet Big Couple Andrew & Alex and Little Brother Jesus and Big Brother, who have been matched 8 years now!
The trio first met in July 2017 and have been cooking food, sharing advice, and making goals ever since!
The Start of This Trio
Often, volunteers don’t start out with much knowledge of Big Brothers Big Sisters. But that’s not the case for these two!
Alex, who used to work at Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Andrew initially joined different programs. Alex matched with a School Buddy, and Andrew took on the Community-Based program. Never having done a program like this before, Andrew was initially nervous about being matched. Little Brother Jesus had even less of an idea of what to expect when he was signed up for the program. In fact, he was actually supposed to be signed up for the School Buddies program, but there was a mix-up!
Andrew was soon matched with Little Brother Jesus, both big sports fans from big Catholic families. Jesus took these first few hangouts as time to “figure out” Andrew—and Alex, who would often join in on their hangouts. Very shy, Jesus didn’t say too much, not even ordering for himself at a restaurant. However, he was known to be a chatterbox at school. As the three continued to grow more comfortable with each other, they saw more of this excited and talkative nature peek through.
By the time Alex’s School Buddy match ended, and she was officially added to Andrew’s match as a Big Couple, Jesus was “over the moon” that he now had two Bigs! They had worked with their Little to order food on his own, and the now chatty Jesus made sure there was never a lull in the conversation. It felt natural and comfortable.
All Kinds of Fun
This match did all kinds of fun stuff out in the community. The three played sports, went to cool places like Chuck E. Cheese, attended events at BBBS, and even visited the Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio (one of Jesus’ favorite memories!).
But soon they transitioned to new kinds of activities. The Big Couple began incorporating Jesus into the normal, everyday aspects of their daily life. The trio would cook homemade meals together or bake cookies and always clean up together afterwards.
No matter what, Jesus was always grateful for the time he spent with his “helpful, funny, great role models!”
“It’s not like you’re doing anything too crazy or profound. You’re truly just there for the child, and you’re showing up for them and being that consistent positive influence in their life,” said Alex. “And if you can do that for them and just show up for them, you’ll be shocked at how much of a rewarding situation it is for not only them but, more so, for yourself as well.”
New Horizons
“My life before my Bigs was clueless. I’ll say I didn’t really know a lot. I’ve experienced a lot of things with them, and they have taught me a lot about the world and options!” shared Jesus.
Throughout the years, especially as he got older, his Big Couple was always there to lend their wisdom and worldly advice. From lessons on saving money to college and career paths, Jesus knew he could ask them anything.
One moment that stuck out to Andrew and Alex was when the three were asked to share their experience on the local news. When the reporter asked Jesus what he had learned from them, he unexpectedly shared that he had never known you could design and build your own house! Andrew and Alex had been going through that process and never even realized that just being a part of each other’s lives was broadening Jesus’ worldview and opening his eyes to different possibilities in life.
“Andrew and Alex have played a big role in my life by answering questions, exploring many new things, and just having someone be there for me!” said Jesus.
As for what Andrew and Alex have learned over the years, they believe mentorship has taken them to a place of appreciation for the blessings they have, and they enjoyed experiencing the curiosity of a child in the early years of their match. Getting to be a resource for someone has been a humbling and blessed experience.
“I think that we’ve probably gotten more out of it than he feels like he’s gotten out of it. It’s just been a joy to be a part of someone’s life that isn’t necessarily a family member, and really just kind of be that sounding board for him,” said Alex.
Big Changes
Lately, Jesus’ life has been a lot busier than it once was. From football, finishing high school, a full-time welding job, and now graduating, he has a lot less free time for the activities they once did. But the three don’t let that stop them from scheduling a day to meet up after work, talk about how life’s going, catch up, and eat!
“He used the joke around with us all the time that we were lame and went to bed early, but now, since he’s working full-time—and his job starts at 6:00 am or so—he’s on the same page as us,” said Andrew.
When they can’t meet up in person, they’ll send a quick message to the group chat they have together. Andrew, Alex, and Jesus each make sure to regularly check in with each other, and Jesus knows that with this extra communication, he can easily reach his Bigs anytime with questions he may have. Or if it’s a bigger situation, he can ask for some advice or bounce ideas off his Bigs. Andrew and Alex are glad that they can be a sounding board for their Little.
“Anytime I have a question, they always answer anytime I need to talk to them. They take the time out of their day and talk to me,” explained Jesus. “They’re always super supportive of my dreams and goals!”
As the Future Unfolds
Over the years, this Big Couple has watched their Little grow in work ethic, improve grades, become more outgoing, excel in football, grow professionally, and show more future-oriented goals and questions. His interest in college tours, Anthis, finances, and feedback was wonderful to witness. And it makes them feel like he trusts and respects their opinions.
“We’re proud, extremely proud of him,” said Andrew. “He’s turned into a man. Really a pleasure to see over the years.”
“Thank you guys for being in my life and continuing to support me,” said Jesus.
Next up for this group is supporting Jesus as he starts living on his own with any of the questions or challenges that may arise. And just because their match may one day close with the agency, doesn’t mean the end of their friendship! None see this aspect of their lives changing anytime soon, and Jesus looks forward to “talking and hanging out with each other for the rest of our lives and being supportive!”
Be Big!
Mentorship can be simple yet transformative. It doesn’t need to be a huge addition to your life, but it can make a BIG difference to someone else. Jesus believes that making this impact on a child is important, as kids grow up with lots of questions and ideas, and a Big (or Bigs!) will give them someone to talk to.
“In the grand scheme of things, it’s such a little amount of time when you’re looking at the whole month. We’re only asking for two hours. I know everyone’s got two hours,” said Alex. “Everyone’s already sitting on a couch, watching sports, going to get your nails done, or walking around Target—why not go pick up your Little and go ahead and do it with them?”
“Just take the leap of faith because even though it might seem daunting or scary, like I said, you’re gonna reap those benefits twofold,” she continued.
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