Alumni Big Larry was matched with Alumni Little Mustafa when Mustafa was ten. The two went to football games, basketball games, and lots of movies together. The first time they went fishing, Larry was very concerned as they weren’t catching anything at all! Then Mustafa looked over at him and said, “Hey Larry. We might not be catching anything but I’m still having a really good time“.
When Mustafa was around 15 years old, he and his mother moved to California. Just before he left, Larry told him to keep his grades up in school and emphasized the importance of an education and promised that he would attend his graduation no matter where he was. Although their match had ended, they kept a strong relationship. “Through Mustafa, I learned that one of the most valuable things you can give a child is your time. Our time together was beneficial for both of us.” Larry shared.
Larry kept his promise and attended Mustafa’s May 2017 high school graduation in Turlock, California. Mustafa excelled in high school football and went on to play at Modesto Junior College. He did so well that many large college football programs wanted to recruit him. Mustafa decided to except a scholarship to attend the University of Colorado. Just prior to his signing, Mustafa called Larry to let me know that he was about to sign with CU and become a Colorado Buffalo. “That was a very proud moment for me,” Larry shared.
Mustafa excelled in his grades and on the field. As a sophomore, Johnson earned honorable mention All-Pac-12 honors from the coaches, and was UC’s Co-Defensive Player of the Year. Mustafa recently graduated from CU Boulder majoring in sociology and hopes to work with children. He is also in the process of trying out with several NFL teams. Larry shared that one time he met someone in California who was a big Bluffs fan who told him about Mustafa playing for CU Boulder! He was proud to share with that person that he mentored Mustafa.
“The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado organization gave me the opportunity to make a difference,” Larry said. “Their training, guidance, and support helped me to be a better Big Brother. There is no doubt that Mustafa and I will remain matched for life.” Click here to learn more about BBBSC Alumni and the long-term impact mentoring can have on both the Little and Big.