Big Brother Mike and Little Brother Jackson
Meet Little Brother Jackson and Big Brother Mike, who have been matched for 3 years now!
Little Brother Jackson and Big Brother Mike first met in February 2022 through our Community-Based mentoring program and have been shooting hoops, trekking through nature, and hanging out ever since.
Beginning
Before joining the program, Jackson’s mom was worried about him missing out on male bonding time. With his father out of the picture and his older brother already moved out, Jackson was mostly surrounded by women in his family. She signed her son up in hopes that he would find a male role model to confide in.
Mike has always been motivated to get involved in his community, already working as a volunteer firefighter, and the program seemed like a great way to further invest in his community.
Although he didn’t know what to expect—and it had been a while since he had been around a young person—he was confident they would get along, considering himself easy-going and non-judgmental.
Jackson, on the other hand, was shy and very nervous to meet Mike, but his Big Brother “wasn’t shy at all” which helped Jackson feel more open and willing to be himself.
“I was always really shy with people I didn’t really know and didn’t really talk to,” explained Jackson. “Now that it’s been almost three years, I’m definitely extroverted, and I can just be myself around him and others.”
Current
This match shares a love of nature, so their adventures frequently lead them to the great outdoors—like state parks for hiking or the zoo where they can learn about cool animals. Springtime and summer is the pair’s favorite part of the year, where they can swim, shoot hoops, and check out parks. Whatever it is, they know they will make the best memories.
One memory that sticks out to Mike is their day trip to Turkey Run. His then-fiancée, now-wife, tagged along, and the three had a great time marveling at the wondrous sights its trails offer.
Although the two are pretty outgoing and like exciting trips together, they also know how to relax and chill with some TV or board games.
Jackson’s favorite memories happen when the two are just goofing around, like a recent laughter-filled day involving way too many lifesaver candies!
Learning from Each Other
Big Brother Mike also tries to be there for Jackson as a helpful and encouraging presence in his life. Jackson appreciates Mike’s homework help and even his assistance in learning how to throw 3-pointers in basketball. His encouraging advice and instruction helped Jackson put his mind to learning how.
“I was finally able to start doing that,” said Jackson. “When I wanted to give up, he would just push me to work harder.”
Moreover, Jackson remembers a time when his Big Brother’s support helped him get through a difficult period in his life where he was being bullied.
“He shared with me his experiences in school, with him either being called names or being bullied,” shared Jackson. “With how successful he is now, that helped me realize that I shouldn’t let the people who are mean tear me down.”
Although the two are both busier than they used to be, they still love the time they get to spend together, and Jackson cherishes the lessons he has learned from his Big Brother along the way.
“I still think about how much he has made me realize about myself, like that I can be happy with people being mean to me, and I can achieve good grades,” said Jackson.
Mike, too, notices the difference Jackson has made in his life, introducing him to new interests and things he’s never thought about.
“But I think Jackson’s made a huge impact in my life cause he’s kind of giving me just a different perspective on things,” explained Mike.
“Or just the fact that we can do anything and have a good time,” he continued. “So, he’s given me a lot of joy, a lot of happiness. He makes me very proud. He’s a great kid.”
Future
Now, he couldn’t imagine his life without meeting his uplifting and wholehearted Big Brother, especially thinking of all the ways he has been there for him. Jackson feels more confident and believes his Big Brother is a great role model for how to be successful and has given him the male figure in his life that he was looking for. His mom agrees, happy that her son has an accomplished male to look up to in his life.
“Just more of the confidence and knowing that he’s got that male role model to lean on,” said Jackson’s mom. “You don’t want to go to your mom for everything necessarily. I’ve seen the change in him; knowing he’s got that has just boosted his confidence.”
“Seeing him kinda grow up just in a few years we’ve been matched together, just seeing his maturity level go up,” said Michael on how their match has changed throughout the years.
Mike couldn’t be prouder of the person he has seen his Little grow into, now super involved in musical extracurriculars and showing off his talent.
“I’m really proud of him. He’s grown so much over the last few years. He’s made me very proud,” shared Mike. “I love him! He’s a great dude! So, he’s a little brother, as cliché as it sounds.”
Be Big!
Mike and Jackson both think giving the program a shot is worth it.
“I see so many children just longing for some connectivity and just someone to show them some positive attention, and I just encourage people, you know, if you have the time and you have a passion for kids, you know, do what you can to get involved,” said Jackson’s mom.
“I think the biggest thing in child development, or anybody’s development for that matter, is just social support, just community around them—somebody, especially a close relationship, you can share things with,” said Mike, explaining the importance of the program. “So, I think a mentor is needed for everybody.”
Mike believes his own personal community has been broadened through his involvement in the program, as he has gotten to know Jackson’s mom too.
“In the end, you, I think most people would find it very rewarding, mostly because they’re benefiting somebody else,” said Mike. “But I think they’d also find that it helps them just as much too. So I think it’s just kind of one of those things where everybody is rewarded in the end.”
Want to know more ways to get involved? Click here. Want to learn more about volunteering? Read about our volunteer programs here.
