Growing Together: Big Brother Brett & Little Brother Jayden

Brett and Jayden at their first Match meeting

Brett and Jayden at game night

Graduations are usually cause for celebration, however, in the case of Big Brother Brett and Little Brother Jayden, this one is bitter sweet.

In May, Brett graduated from UVA and recently moved from Charlottesville to embark on his next chapter. As the result, his Match with Jayden formally came to a close this summer. Knowing from the start that Brett had just a few years in Charlottesville, Jayden’s mother LaTasha believes “there could not have been a better fit for Jayden.” She jokes that “they kind of grew up together, navigating different milestones and transitions together. He was like one of my kids, too. I could feel the bond between Brett and Jayden – the excitement on their faces when they saw each other. We love Brett and consider him family.”

Brett, too, recognizes how significant his bond with Jayden – and LaTasha – has been in his life thus far. “The first time I met Jayden was at the BBBS office for our Match meeting. I remember we both seemed a little nervous, which is funny now considering how well we get along. Over the years me and Jayden got closer which meant knowing what we wanted to do together, better conversations, and a deeper overall understanding of each other. As he progressed through middle school, it also meant more focus on school and his future in addition to the usual conversations we had.”

Brett and Jayden at the annual fall hike

“With us being in college and middle school, it was a very developmental time for both of us. For me, I felt it helped develop time management and communication skills independent of our age difference. At the same time, Jayden became much more aware of the world around him and also developed effective communication skills with people not just his age. The biggest change I noticed was him opening up more often about things going on in his life, what he was proud of, excited for, and also what he needed help with. This increased communication made our Match and relationship stronger.”

When asked to describe his Match with Brett, Jayden was concise and enthusiastic – "perfect!", describing his Big Brother as “fun, kind, and funny.” I like going with him “to Decades Arcade and Jump. Doing BBBS group activities like helping making a mini golf course or game night at the office and the hikes. Going to the park to play football and other outdoors activities. We also worked on my math, doing worksheets together and helping me feel more confident with school. Brett taught me to never give up. Our friendship means a lot to me. I liked being able to talk to him and that I could rely on him.”

LaTasha remembers when “Jayden was struggling with his math in school. I texted Brett just to see if maybe he could help him out with that. Brett was on it! It was nice to have someone else to help out with Jayden. I never had to worry when Jayden was with Brett. Even when Brett was away (on break from UVA or studying abroad), he made sure that we still knew he was there and checked in. He and Jayden stayed connected, even playing games online. Brett was a prime example of a Big Brother. He should be a trainer for all the Big Brothers.”

For Brett, football and Jump created some meaningful opportunities for the two of them. “Jayden is super passionate about football and we would frequently practice in the park together. This year, I was able to go to one of Jayden’s football games and it was truly special for both of us being able to see the work we put in helping and also meeting all the people that make football special for him. Jump is one of Jayden’s favorite place to go with friends, and I remember when he finally invited me and I got to see inside his world. All the flips he learned, the employees he had come to know, and meeting his friends who were also regulars. We ended up playing a big game of trampoline basketball, Jayden and I versus everybody else. It was special being welcomed into his world.”

“As someone who’s only been a student up until now, the community around me was always just the community of my high-school or college. As I did more BBBS events and explored Charlottesville, I realized I can find a community anywhere if I put in some time and genuinely care. While leaving this community behind for now is sad, as I step into the next chapter of my life, I’m confident I can take these lessons and continue to form real connections with those around me. Jayden and LaTasha are a big part of this.”

Check it out! Brett and Jayden did a promo video for BBBS. Take a glimpse below into the early days of their Match.