Jason was a student at San Jose State University, working full-time and navigating his own path. Coming from a military background where he moved frequently as a child, he understood fully the value of a consistent system. When he saw an advertisement for Big Brothers Big Sisters in a college magazine, he felt the pull to give back to the Bay Area and help someone who lacked support in their own lives.
In 1997, that pull ended up leading him to a young boy named Taylor, an energetic boy from San Jose living in a single-parent household needing companionship and a positive male presence. “It was just me and my mom,” Taylor remembers. “Having someone else was really important.”
The early days were defined by high energy and sports. Jason, a member of the 100 Black Men of the Bay Area, took Taylor to arena football games and sporting events, often just to help the active youngster find a sense of ‘mild and relaxed’ focus. But beneath the surface of basketball games and martial arts meets, a deeper transformation was happening.
The duo’s connection was so evident that they caught the attention of the Mercury News. The paper interviewed the pair and took photos that the families still cherish today. For Taylor, being featured in the news with his Big Brother was a moment of pride.
Taylor, in learning how to ride a bike and studying chemistry, was watching Jason. How he succeeded in his own professional career, and how he treated others around him.
“I saw how he interacted in different relationships and learned how to treat other people,” Taylor reflects. “He was a successful Black male, and I realized, ‘I can live this life too.’” Taylor emulated Jason’s drive, following in his Big Brother’s footsteps to SJSU.
As Taylor graduated from high school, their relationship evolved. They were involved in each others’ major milestones, including Jason’s wedding and Taylor’s college graduation. When Jason had his own sons, Taylor witnessed them grow from toddlers to young men before his own eyes.
Even when life became busy—Jason started a family and moved to the East Bay—the two remained a “circle of support” for one another. Their bond became deeper, to where Taylor was able to offer the same encouragement and strength Jason provided him for years.
Through career shifts and family losses, the two have remained a constant in each other’s lives. Their conversations shifted from “How do I be cool?” to now discussing their family lives and the future.
For Jason, the impact is clear: “It can change a life on both sides. There is such a need, especially for more male mentors. Just a little time has such a Big impact.”.
If Jason and Taylor’s 29-year journey inspired you, join us in our mission today!
Sign up to be a mentor: Become a mentor today.
Want to give your child the support they need? Enroll them in our program.
Would you like to support our efforts? Donate today.