Match of the Month: Ty and Alex
Alex and Ty recently celebrated their third year as a match in our community program! While they hit it off right from the start that is not to say their relationship has not flourished in such an admirable way. Ty started out pretty quiet in the beginning but now tells me “when we are together, we just talk the whole time.” He continued on to say “I feel completely comfortable with Alex and know I can just be myself.”
These two have such a strong desire to explore and learn together. Some of their favorite pastimes include skateboarding, cruisin’ the slopes, working on their physical fitness, and trying out unique new foods together (like the venison Alex hunted himself and then brought over to Ty’s house for them to cook together, or the lamb Ty tried at Alex’s wedding). Currently, Ty is flying through his high school years and this has launched them into a new area of exploration: different career opportunities. Alex told me “I really want to work on providing information about planning for careers, education, trades, salaries, etc. It’s a big world. Growing up I could have used more guidance when it comes to understanding really what a career is and how they impact your life – this is something I’d like to be able to provide Ty with.” Since then they went to a local electrician’s apprenticeship to learn about being an electrician, met with a personal trainer that Alex found after Ty expressed interest in that as a career, and will soon be going to a mock-interview set up with some friends of Alex’s at a local restaurant. Ty will even get to do a working interview! They continue to seek out new, creative ways to see what’s out there and are really enjoying doing it together!
It’s obvious when talking with both Ty and Alex that they’ve formed a strong bond and both value their time together. Ty really trusts Alex and openly talks with him about anything and knows that he won’t be met with any judgement. When I talk to Alex, I can always count on him giving me a positive update and letting me know all the areas Ty is really excelling in. On the flip side, Ty never fails to update me on the cool things Alex is exposing him to, whether it be food, snowboarding or future possibilities. This match has such a solid and inspiriting foundation, that even after hanging out for 3 years, they are still consistent in their outings and still have fun exploring new things together!
I recently asked Alex if his motivation as a Big has changed or shifted as the match has progressed and he said “Yes – when I first got involved it was to help, to make a difference, to have a fun activity. Now, I feel a strong connection with this growing young adult, and it is really amazing to have the opportunity to help influence his life, growth and future.”