Little Aweys and Big Trey are coming up on their one-year anniversary of being matched! While Big Brother Trey has settled into his role as a mentor, this time last year he was waiting eagerly to find out who his new Little would be. His nerves were calmed after meeting Aweys, as Trey says, “it’s surprisingly easy and comfortable to start the relationship, and it has only gotten better the more that I get to know him.”

Big Trey wanted to get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah as a mentor, “to find a connection to a new community where [he] could make a positive impact and create long-term personal connections.” During his time being matched, Trey has accomplished this by not only building a relationship with Aweys, but also by getting to know Aweys’ family. One of his favorite parts of being a mentor is interacting with and learning about a family with a culture different from his own upbringing.

When Trey and Aweys hang out, they do things any friends might do together. Kicking the soccer ball around, making and eating food, and playing video games are some of their go-to activities. Through simple moments spent together, this match has built a connection and grown to trust one another. Since being matched, Trey has seen Little Aweys become more relaxed and able to express himself more openly. Aweys has even become comfortable enough to tell Trey that his beatboxing skills aren’t nearly as cool as his own!

For Trey, participating in volunteer opportunities in Utah by being a Big means being present, accessible, and reliable for his Little. This is what being a mentor is truly about. Positive outcomes and ignited potential all start with a child having a caring and consistent role model in their life.

Know someone that might make a great Big? Click here to learn more and refer someone. For more information on volunteer opportunities in Utah, visit the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah website https://bbbsu.org/