Getting to Know Big Brother Alan, Little Brother Justyn, and Mom Minnie
Alan and Justyn first match meeting
From their first meeting at the BBBS office, Little Brother Justyn and his Big Brother Alan hit it off instantly, turning shared goals into unforgettable adventures like running a first 5K and mastering orienteering in the woods. Their friendship has sparked confidence, laughter, and new experiences for Justyn while giving his Big the joy of guiding a young person toward their dreams.
Tell us about first meeting your Little. What do you remember?
Justyn and Alan
I first met Justyn at the BBBS office when I also met his mom. I remember that Justyn’s mom appreciated that I was an “older” Big Brother as she sensed I would have more time to spend with her son and that my longer years of experience as a parent, a grandparent, and just lived experience would be an asset to the match. And I remember Justyn’s immediate enthusiasm about having a Big Brother as we discussed all of the things we could do. We made a list of goals, starting with the things Justyn would like to do, and we wrote down that list. I keep that list on my phone and we look at that on occasion both as a memory of our first meeting and as a chance to check-in to be sure we are staying on track with our original goals for spending time together.
Why did you become a Big?
I remember two important mentors in my life growing up, Ms. Mastricola and Mr. Perry. At the time, during high school, I did not think of them as mentors, but over the years I think of what they taught me, both with their words and the role modeling they provided. Those two people had a profound impact on many of the decisions that I made, decisions that took me in good directions and led to great outcomes. With that in mind, I realize how important it is for everyone to have someone like that in their life, and I wanted to pay that back and pay that forward with someone like Justyn.
There is so much research and data that bears out how critical mentoring, networking building, and positive role models are for our children; and I know that from my own experience as well. So now it is my time to step-up and do that for a young person, and I am so thrilled that the person is Justyn.
What is your favorite memory so far?
I have TWO favorite memories; the first is when I watched Justyn cross the finish line of his very first 5K (3.1 miles) foot race, something he never thought he could do, and yet on a hot June morning he did that. It was hard, he wanted to stop, but together we ran that race and he accomplished the goal he set for himself. And the second is when Justyn and I went orienteering, which is using a map and compass to find hidden control points on a topographical map in the woods. The joy on Justyn’s face when we found that first marker just by reading a map, learning to use the compass and looking for landmarks among the trees, the streams, the lake, and the geography. Not once did a voice from a smart phone yell “turn left…go straight…” and yet he hiked over a mile and found that precise location. Once you can run and finish a race and find your way in the world by reading the land, then you can do whatever you set your mind to…and I could see that in Justyn’s face and I will always treasure those memories.
Justyn and Alan at Loaves and Fishes Cooking Event
What has been the most rewarding thing about being a Big so far?
It is very rewarding to recognize even just the small role that I am playing in helping Justyn navigate his life towards his dreams and succeed in those pursuits.
How has your Little impacted your life?
Spending time with Justyn has reminded me of how exciting it is to discover new things, to set and accomplish new goals, and to feel joy in having a friend who cares about you, who counts on you. And it is refreshing to get the chance to see the world through his young eyes.
What would you say to someone who is considering becoming a Big?
I would encourage you to take the risk and put yourself out there as a Big. I guarantee that you will get more out of this than you expect, that it will be a challenge, but the rewards are so rich as this match helps give you meaning and purpose as you create a stake in the future of our community and our world by helping to encourage and guide a young person. We all have lots to offer a Little and it is a fun way to help out a young person and their family.
Alan and Justyn at running race
From Little Brother Justyn
Justyn Learning to Use the Power Drill to Install the Little Free Library
Tell us about first meeting your Big. What do you remember?
When we first met at the Big Sister Big Brother place and then two weeks later we went to a girls basketball game.
How has Big made an impact on Little?
That we got to go place and spending time with each other.
What have the impacts of their match been on your family?
Athletic, caring and encouraging.
What is your favorite memory so far?
When we won the $100 gift card.
What does your Big's friendship/support mean to you?
When I am ready to give up he pushes me to keep going.
What advice would you give to another Little?
Have fun don’t be scared and don’t be shy.
From Mom Verna “Minnie”
Justyn and Alan at BBBS Fall Hike
What do you remember about first meeting Big?
It was nice talking to him and I knew Justyn was going to like him.
How has Big made an impact on Little?
The Big made an impact on Justyn - like he is trying to try new things.
What have the impacts of their match been on your family?
The impact on the family has been good.
What does Little enjoy most about having a Big?
What Justyn enjoys most about having a Big is that he gets to try new things and go new places.
What is your advice to families considering pursuing a match for their child(ren)?
I would say it is good to have a Big because they get to experience new things and try new things.
Finished Build of the Little Free Library
