When Big Daniel met Little Luis in 2019, neither expected their relationship to become a lasting journey of mentorship, resilience, and friendship. Six years later, their bond is a testament to the power of guidance and shared experience.
Both Spanish speakers, Daniel from Colombia and Luis with Spanish as his first language, found comfort in their shared culture. Daniel, drawn to mentorship from his own experiences, joined BBBSBA to make a meaningful impact. Luis, initially shy, slowly opened up—especially when they spoke in Spanish.
“Spanish was Luis’s first language,” Daniel recalls. “So speaking in Spanish made it easier for us to bond and for him to open up to me.”
In turn, Luis has taught Daniel invaluable lessons in resilience, patience, and perseverance. Despite facing many obstacles in life, Luis has never given up. Daniel often reflects on how much Luis’s strength has inspired him. “He’s been through so much, and he’s not giving up,” Daniel shares. “If he’s not giving up, why should I?”
While Daniel comes from a background where college education was expected, Luis didn’t have that same framework. Nonetheless, Daniel is deeply proud of Luis for considering his future—whether it be through trade school or college. It’s a milestone Daniel recognizes as particularly significant because of the challenges Luis has overcome to even consider these options.
“I’m really proud that Luis is thinking about his future,” Daniel says. “It’s not something that came automatically for him, but he’s been thinking about it and seeking guidance from counselors.”
Their relationship has evolved from surface-level conversations to meaningful discussions about life, goals, and adulthood. Daniel doesn’t push Luis toward any path but instead helps him explore his options. “It’s not about telling him what to do,” Daniel explains. “It’s about helping him think critically about his future.”
As the years have gone by, Daniel has seen Luis grow in remarkable ways. He’s become more open, more willing to communicate, and more independent. What started with short, general conversations about school has now blossomed into deeper discussions about life, interests, and future plans. The two have moved beyond forced exchanges into natural, flowing conversations.
“Now, we’re homies,” Daniel says with pride. “He’s becoming an adult, and that’s something we both appreciate.”
Beyond mentorship, Daniel has formed a bond with Luis’s family, even joining them for celebrations. One of his favorite memories? A Halloween costume party Luis’s mom invited him to at their San Francisco home—an experience Daniel describes as “magical.”
As Daniel looks back on their time together, his advice to other Bigs is powerful: “Try to think outside the box. It’s like any friendship. Your Little might not like all the things you like, but keep your mind open to new ways of connecting.” This friendship, rooted in mentorship, language, and shared values, is a reminder of the profound impact that positive relationships can have on the lives of young people, and the ways in which we all grow when we open ourselves up to others.
Inspired by Daniel and Luis’s story? Consider becoming a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area. Sign up today and embark on a journey of connection and transformation!