Mentorship in Action: Alan and Justyn’s Journey
Little Brother Justyn and Big Brother Alan participating in their first 4k together.
Big Brother Alan and Little Brother Justyn's story is a powerful example of mentorship at its best. From their first nervous encounter to sharing exciting experiences like running races and trying Taekwondo, their journey has been all about growth, support, and building a meaningful friendship. Through their time together, they've witnessed the profound impact a mentor can have on a child’s life. Learn more about their inspiring journey in this Q&A.
In Justyn’s Words
Justyn at The Haven 4k
Tell Us About First Meeting Alan
When I was first going to meet Big Brother Alan, I didn’t know him, and I was scared. Then we started to get out, it felt different. I started to get to know him and start feeling more comfortable.
What Are Your Favorite Memories
Fun things we have done together, include Taekwondo and going to a basketball game. These outings were fun!
Why Do You Like Having a Big Brother
Having a Big Brother is good because we have fun together. Alan is teaching me to have fun and do new stuff that he isn’t used to, like running a race. We did the Haven 4K fundraiser of 2.4 miles and I finished in 33:08 minutes! We also did Taekwondo together.
What are 3 Words Would You Use to Describe Your Big Brother
Nice, caring, helpful
What Advice Would You Offer to a Little Brother
Don’t be scared and try your best!
What Would Be Your Theme Music
My theme music would be smooth jazz.
Alan and Justyn at swim
In Alan’s Words
Tell Us About First Meeting Justyn
We met at BBBS office and my impression was of a young man who was a bit timid and shy but also willing to take risks and meet new people. I liked writing our goals down at the meeting and we often look back at them – like eating healthy food and unhealthy food – a theme of the match. He’s come to like cobb salads – hold the avocado.
What is Your Favorite Memory
Justyn and Alan participating in BBBS Taekwondo match activity
My best memory was watching him cross the finish line after we finished the running race. I swear I saw a little sparkle in his eye for crossing the finishing line – and I hope that moment is igniting a spark in him to take whatever he wants to do in his life.
What Have You Learned About Being a Big
Spending time with Justyn is teaching me how to balance out having fun just for fun – and learning how to do things for the future in each of our individual lives.
Regarding being part of BBBSCBR, this organization is both helping me feel I am giving back to this community and showing me what I can offer. I am also learning about other organizations in the community – it’s helping me enrich my life and give back and see what this community has for Justyn and kids like him.
Why Did You Become a Big Brother
I became a Big because as I got older I realized how important people were in my life – a teacher, an adult friend who helped guide me and wanted to provide a similar opportunity for someone else. I hope that Justyn will look back on our time and be successful and have a wonderful life.
What is Your Biggest Challenge as a Big
The biggest challenge I have had with the match - is being comfortable in silence. When Justyn first gets into car he is a little shy, and quiet, or when we get a bite to eat. It is challenging to feel comfortable with that silence – but it is doing all the things that brings him out of silence. Let the time be the time and then see how it transpires.
What Advice Would You Offer to Someone Considering Becoming a Big
Being a Big is really an awesome experience – and a large responsibility, but it is so fulfilling watching a Little do something they wouldn’t have necessarily done. This is a wonderful way to give back to community and to a special person!
What Would Be Your Theme Music
Whenever when we are in my car, and me having lived in Philadelphia, I used to go to jazz brunches and I keep a smooth jazz station playing on my car radio, which Justyn notices and enjoys – so any smooth jazz song is our theme song for the match!
