Big Brother Andrew, Little Brother Egypt, and Mom Ashley

Andrew & Egypt at their Match meeting

Andrew & Egypt at a UVA basketball game

From a nervous first meeting to being part of each other’s biggest milestones, Big Brother Andrew, Little Brother Egypt and his mother Ashley have grown to be family.

“I first met Egypt a little over three years ago. I remember going over to his house and we were both a bit nervous. There's a picture of us standing extremely awkwardly an arm’s length apart. It's so funny to look back on now that we're such good friends” Andrew shares. For Egypt, he just remembers that Andrew “was fun to talk to!” Ashley, however, is more reflective when remembering that first milestone. “I remember the first time I met Andrew. I was nervous, excited, and honestly a little intrigued about the person who would become such an important part of Egypt’s life. From that first meeting, I could tell that Andrew was a genuinely wonderful person. I was excited to see what their relationship would become, but I never could have imagined just how special their bond would be.”

When thinking about a favorite memory, Andrew notes that “it's hard to choose just one, but probably one of the many times Egypt made me laugh. He's so funny and earnest. When I asked him if he could come to my wedding in October he said ‘I'll have to make sure I don't have baseball practice that day.’ The kid has priorities.

The most rewarding part of being a Big has been watching Egypt grow. I've gotten to see him gain confidence in everything he does, from reading and math to swimming and playing baseball. It's amazing to see a young person grow in so many ways at once. I'm also always in awe of his capacity to care about others. I strive to be as good of a friend as he is. I just feel lucky to be involved in his life.

Egypt and his family have made me feel so welcome in their lives. His mom, grandparents, aunts, and uncles treat me like family. Egypt seems to be friends with every kid and parent in town too. Knowing him helped me feel at home in Charlottesville.”

Describing Andrew as “fun, cool, and energetic”, Egypt “likes having him as my Big Brother because he’s helpful and fun to play with. My favorites memories are from when I first met him and when I had a birthday party and he was there and we played baseball.” When thinking about what Andrew’s friendship and support means to him, Egypt shares that “it feels nice to have him as a brother.”

Like Andrew, Ashley sees the big picture. “The impact Andrew has had on Egypt has been truly amazing. The bond and relationship they have built are something that I am incredibly grateful for. Andrew has become so much more than just a Big Brother to Egypt — he is someone Egypt trusts, looks up to, enjoys spending time with, and knows will be there for him.

He gives Egypt someone who will listen without judgment, someone to laugh with, someone to talk to, and someone to make memories with. Watching their relationship grow and seeing how comfortable and happy Egypt is around Andrew has been such a blessing. As a parent, there is something incredibly special about knowing your child has another positive role model in their corner — someone who genuinely cares about them and wants to see them grow.

Andrew has truly become family to us. From day one, he has made an effort to be present in Egypt’s life. He has shown up for sporting events, birthday celebrations, dinners, and so many other special moments. His presence has meant so much to our family because he doesn't just show up for the big moments — he has consistently been there as an extra source of encouragement and support for Egypt.

It means a lot to know that Egypt has someone outside of our immediate family who he can look up to, learn from, laugh with, and create memories with. Andrew has become someone we genuinely appreciate and love having in our lives.

Egypt absolutely adores Andrew. I think what he enjoys most is simply being able to spend time with him. Their outings are always something Egypt looks forward to, and they have created so many memories together.

Whether they are going somewhere special or just spending time together, Egypt enjoys having that connection with Andrew. You can see how much their relationship means to him by the excitement he has when he knows they are going to spend time together.”

Ashley also has some advice for other parents and guardians considering enrolling with BBBS. “Give your child the opportunity. A Big Brother or Big Sister can become such a meaningful part of a child's life. This program gives children the opportunity to build a relationship with someone who can listen to them, encourage them, relate to them, and simply be there for them.

Sometimes children just need another person in their corner — someone they can talk to, trust, laugh with, and make memories with. Having that additional positive influence can help a child grow in confidence and know that there are people who believe in them.

For me, the greatest gift has been watching the relationship between Egypt and Andrew grow. Seeing the joy on Egypt’s face, watching the memories they make together, and knowing that Andrew genuinely cares about him is something I will always be grateful for.

Andrew has become family to us, and I truly believe their Match has been a blessing in Egypt’s life. I am so thankful that Egypt has someone like Andrew in his corner.”