Big Brother Michael & Little Brother David
Meet Big Brother Michael and Little Brother David who have been matched 2 years now!
Big Brother Michael and Little Brother David first met in August 2022 and have been fishing and playing at the arcade ever since!
Signing Up
Before these two could become thick as thieves, they first had to sign up for the program!
For Mike, this decision was a long time in the making. He had already known about Big Brothers Big Sisters for years from his family friend Natalie Axel: board member, huge advocate, and Big Sister. From the outside, it might have looked like a bad time to become a Big. He and his wife had just bought a house in desperate need of repair. He was also focused on expanding his engineering career which required travel. But to Michael, this was the perfect time to become a Big.
“Needless to say, I had a lot of stress and was looking for a meaningful hobby to allow me to get away and have some fun,” said Michael who began seriously considering the program and eventually signed up!
David’s mom had known about BBBS from her aunt and uncle who were both Bigs. However, she didn’t sign David up until realizing he could benefit from a consistent and positive male influence after his father passed. Living with his grandma, mom, and sister, she signed her son up to spend “time with a man that he could look up to as a role model.”
A Fish to Remember
David was excited to get a Big Brother, his anticipation growing since the moment BBBS called his mom to announce David was matched. Their first outing was a BBBS fishing trip. Since David had only gone fishing once, and never for bass, he was excited to give it a go! And what a successful first time it was!
“That night we were able to catch multiple big bass, with David bringing in the biggest one,” said Big Brother Michael. “We had such a great time from the beginning and have continued to do so over the past two years.”
Matched for their shared love of robotics, math, and science, it was no wonder David and Michael soon became great pals.
“David and I have a great relationship. We share a passion to have fun and find ourselves often doing new things that David has never experienced before,” said Michael.
Arcades and Fishing Spots
David’s mom remembers the beginning of their match when Michael would often ask her what kind of things David would like to do, but she has seen a shift since then.
“Now we know more about each other, so he knows where he and I both like to go,” said David.
“One of the nice things is the fact that they don’t feel they have to have me as a go-between; they can talk it out themselves. They both feel comfortable talking to each other,” said David’s mom.
David thinks Michael was a great addition to his life, giving him more activities to do. It’s never a dull day if playing soccer outside, going to putt-putt, or traversing through the park is involved. But they’d have to say that their all-time favorites have been fishing, the arcade, and bowling.
David and Michael continue to try and step up their fishing game, even hoping to do ice fishing if the water freezes over. As for their regular arcade visits, these two have goals for their favorite arcade game: winning the “Super Bonus!” Also on their bucket list is going to Sky Zone!
When asked about favorite memories, David and Michael had the very same one: their very first outing.
“We were both a little nervous at first, but after catching that first bass we instantly became friends!” said Michael. David said this was an exciting moment for him because he had never caught a fish that big, and he was happy that Michael helped him unhook it.
Positive Impact
Mentoring is a two-way street, changing both the Big and the Little’s lives for the better. Michael has seen this in his own match, learning from his Little’s positivity.
“David has such a positive outlook on everything. He is so kind and caring for others. Everyone can learn from his type of personality, and he has definitely impacted my life as a result,” said Michael.
For David, the biggest thing he loves about being matched is having someone to do things with—especially someone as “fun, nice, and funny” as his Big Brother. He notes that Michael is always supportive of his interests and extracurricular achievements, saying, “Mike congratulates me for things like Math Bowl and robotics, and he helps me understand some things.” This includes extra tough math problems, teaching David about his machinery job, and showing him how to thread a fishing line.
Mike believes his biggest accomplishment as a Big Brother has been becoming a prominent male figure in David’s life, and David’s mom would have to agree. Being the only boy in the house, there are things that David has never done before that he can do with his Big Brother which allows for some fun and exciting first experiences! According to David’s mom, whenever David is waiting for Mike to pick him up, you can see the excitement light up his face. And when his car pulls up, David is “out the door faster than lightning” to go meet his Big.
Looking Ahead
Michael hopes to see his bright, polite, and positive Little Brother succeed in everything he dreams of: going to college and becoming a geologist. Right now, that means supporting David as he competes in Math Bowl and robotics—which he is frequently a runner-up in! But as he gets older, Michael hopes to continue encouraging David to shoot for the stars, grow, and have fun together.
“I hope to be an intricate part in helping with school projects, watching him compete in sports, and helping him through some of the hurdles growing up brings,” said Michael.
Looking to the future, Michael has a message for his Little Brother:
“David, I love hanging out with you have having fun. I also am always here for you if you need to talk about anything. I have sisters too, and understand that sometimes they can be a pain. People at school can be jerks too sometimes. Some adults are crazy too. You are so positive in life and handle all of these situations really well but if you ever want to talk about anything, I am all ears!”
It Takes 2
For David and Michael, Big Brothers Big Sisters came at exactly the right time to give them a friend to have fun with. If you have time and dedication, consider joining Big Brothers Big Sisters! For those who are hesitant, Michael has a word of advice:
“BBBS has impacted my life and my Little’s life in such a positive way. If someone is on the fence about becoming a BIG, I would suggest taking the leap.”
David’s mom also has some perspective to offer as a parent involved in the program, saying it is a major help to families. Parents who spend all their time working just to cover the needs of their child, often can’t offer the fun and influence their child still needs. Having another adult there as a positive influence who can let them “experience quality time with adults” makes all the difference:
“There are children out there that need good positive adult role models. And Big Brothers Big Sisters is a way to present yourself as a positive adult in a child’s life which honestly could highly affect a child in so many ways—emotionally, developmentally. Because they’ll see a successful adult or an adult that cares.”
Will you take the challenge of becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister? Do you know someone who would be a great mentor? Discover how you can make all the difference to a child:
Learn more about volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters here. Wanting to take the next step? Start the application process here.
