In the bustling heart of Silicon Valley, where success often translates into long hours and constant pursuit of financial goals, Jody found himself yearning for something more fulfilling. His Match with Little Brother Elijah in March 2016 through Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area became a lasting positive bond for both of them.
Jody’s own experiences being mentored at a young age fueled his commitment to being there for others. “I’ve always wanted to give back in some way, whether that’s giving a different perspective [to a kid] or just being there,” Jody says. At the beginning of their Match, Jody found that his and Elijah’s similar backgrounds made for a good starting point. “I grew up in East San Jose, similar to where he grew up, so that made our connection more natural.” They both also faced challenges stemming from their immigrant parents’ experiences.
Their journey has not been without its challenges. Elijah, the youngest of 5 children, had difficult moments over the years, including the negative influence of peers and trouble at school. Jody, however, stayed constant, offering guidance and understanding. “When I talk to him, I try to be straightforward with him, not talk to him like a kid too much. I don’t talk to him like a parent. He bounced right out of it after we talked. He was just trying to grow up too fast.”
This year, as Elijah is turning 18 and navigating his future, Jody continues to be a steadfast presence. The nature of their activities has evolved over the years, from art and cultural activities when Elijah was younger to more casual catch-ups. “We don’t do as many activities, since we’ve both gotten busier with time. But we’ll still meet up and talk about what his goals are, how things have been going,” Jody explains. “I’m happy that he’s on the right path, and that he’ll become a productive part of society. He’s a good kid.”
“I’m glad that we stayed through the program because it gave us some structure and support. I told Elijah, ‘Just because you’ll be 18 doesn’t mean we can’t continue this if you want to. I’ll be there for you. It’s no different— I can just be someone that you know who’s there.’”
For Jody, being a Big Brother means breaking out of the hustle and bustle, gaining a different perspective, and finding fulfillment. Reflecting on the longevity of their Match, Jody states, “People say, ‘Wow, you’ve been with him a long time. Good job sticking to it.’ But to me, it’s second nature. I don’t even think of it that way.”
Jody’s story is not just about his dedication to mentoring Elijah; it’s a call to others who may have that desire to make a meaningful impact. “I would say if anyone has that inkling of wanting to give back, the different perspective and fulfillment factor make doing this worth it.” In addition to being there for his Little, Jody also participates in his employer’s Dollars for Doers program, demonstrating a commitment to amplifying the impact of his volunteer work. His story stands as a testament to the profound change that can occur when individuals choose to invest their time and energy in making a positive difference.
If you’re inspired by Jody and Elijah’s story, consider joining Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area as a volunteer. Sign up today and become part of a network dedicated to creating positive, lasting change in the lives of our local youth. If you’re a current Big, find out if you too can convert your hours volunteering as a Big into an even bigger impact as a donation from your employer, through Dollars for Doers!