When Paul Ballas signed up to become a Big, he hoped to make a difference in a young person’s life. What he didn’t expect was just how much that young person would change his.
Like many people, Paul had always wanted to give back to his community but struggled to find the right opportunity. During the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, he found himself reflecting on what mattered most. That reflection led him to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado, where he was matched with Waylen through the Community-Based Mentoring program.
Over the past three years, their relationship has grown from shared activities into a friendship built on trust, consistency, and adventure.
When they first met, Waylen was quiet and reserved. Paul often planned their outings, introducing him to everything from Water World to skateboarding. Today, Waylen confidently suggests more than half of their activities together—a transformation Paul has loved watching unfold. Whether it’s tackling a once-intimidating water slide or finally dropping into a skateboard ramp after months of building confidence, every milestone has been worth celebrating.
But Paul is quick to point out that mentorship isn’t one-sided.
“Waylen has taught me what it means to live in the moment,” Paul shared.
In a world full of distractions, Waylen’s ability to be fully present has reshaped Paul’s own perspective. Whether they’re waiting together before a Broncos practice or simply walking the dog with his wife afterward, Paul has learned to put away his phone and focus on the people around him. That lesson has strengthened not only his relationship with Waylen, but also with his family and those closest to him.
Their adventures have also encouraged Paul to embrace experiences he never imagined trying. Haunted houses, ice skating, snowboarding, and countless new activities have pushed them both outside their comfort zones, creating memories that neither will forget.
Perhaps most importantly, becoming a Big has made Paul more intentional in every area of his life.
He knows that every promise matters because kids are always watching. Following through on something as simple as an ice cream trip has reinforced the importance of consistency, accountability, and showing up—qualities that have positively impacted his relationships at home, at work, and within himself. He even credits his time with Waylen for bringing more joy and purpose into his life during seasons when he struggled with depression.
Their story is a powerful reminder that mentorship isn’t about changing someone’s life overnight. It’s about showing up, trying new things together, and building trust one outing at a time.
For Waylen, that has meant growing into a more confident young man. For Paul, it has meant rediscovering joy, presence, and purpose.
Because sometimes, the greatest impact of mentorship is realizing that both lives have been changed.
Ready to make a difference? Become a Big and discover how one relationship can transform two lives.
