Little Brother Jirai and Big Brother Michael have been matched since February 2016 in the Community-based program. When Michael was considering becoming a Big Brother but wasn’t sure if he knew how to be a mentor, he received some great advice: “Do you know how to be a friend? That is all they want, is a good friend that is consistently there for them.” Michael reports, “I know how to be a friend and so I took the plunge. What I didn’t expect was how much joy and fulfillment I would get from the program. Being a Big has helped me become a better coach, friend and family member. Being consistent in communication and present for Jirai has shown me how important it is to be consistent in other aspects of my life.”
Jirai and Michael met when Jirai was 8 years old. They went hiking to Lookout Mountain for their first outing and on the same day, Michael adopted his dog, Bailey. It has been a wonderful, bonding memory for them both.
Jirai loves anything related to sports, so they have been to professional football, soccer, baseball and basketball games thanks to donated tickets to BBBSC. When an opportunity came up at BBBSC to sign up for golf lessons, Jirai and Michael jumped on board, and it turns out, Jirai loves golf! They are incredibly grateful for these opportunities to experience and discover something new that might not otherwise have been possible.
Jriai is one of six siblings, and all of Jirai’s age-eligible siblings have participated in the BBBSC program! Jirai had known for years about the program from his older siblings and watching the bonds that were created. He and his family wanted him to have his own mentor experience. Michael comes from a large family himself and remarks that one challenge is the lack of one-on-one time with a parent or role model. He believes Jirai (and his family) wanted the experience of having time, uniquely his own with a mentor so he can do things as an individual.
Reflecting on their match over the past six years, Michael shares, “Jirai has grown so much. He has always been a very polite and respectful young man when he is with me, but I was surprised to learn that he struggled in school with behavior issues. He was getting into trouble with teachers and his peers. Since we have been matched, Jirai has matured and no longer has the conflicts he once did. I have noticed an improvement in his confidence, an increase in his awareness of others and a deepening of his compassion.”
If you’re interested in becoming a Big and empowering a child’s life, learn more HERE.