“When I first signed up, I envisioned mentoring someone in the 12-15 year old age range, hoping to have more serious adult conversations,” Big Jon remembers. However, he was then Matched with 8-year-old Little Angelo. Despite initial reservations, Jon was won over by Angelo’s kind, open personality. “I immediately loved what was important to him. My MSS Mary was right—it was a good Match!”
From the outset, Jon was struck by Angelo’s remarkable compassion and empathy. Despite his young age, Angelo displayed a deep care for others, a trait that anchored their bond. “Even at such a young age, I’d ask him all kinds of questions about what was going on, and he’d turn it back around and ask about what was going on in my life.”
Their bond began through adventures across the Bay Area, from their spot in San Jose. While Jon initially focused on age-appropriate activities like trampoline parks and go-karting, their connection deepened as Angelo grew up. Their outings evolved to include more conversational activities like hiking, providing opportunities for deeper connection and growth. On one of Angelo’s birthdays, Jon had the idea to start a shared hobby together, so they began researching models and visiting stores.
Jon remembers the Match’s remote controlled car era fondly. “For quite a while, that was all of our outings, taking the cars out to the park.” The hobby became more than just a pastime; it became a symbol of their bond—a conduit for conversation and shared experiences. The simplicity of maneuvering the cars through the park allowed Jon and Angelo to form a lifelong connection.
“I’ve gotten exactly what I was looking for from this experience. I get to have a connection to the younger generation when I know that otherwise I wouldn’t have that opportunity as readily.”
As time passed and life became busier, their meetings have grown less frequent. Now, Jon and Angelo meet once in a while for what Jon calls “big catch-ups”. Jon’s grateful that they can now have the substantial conversations he was hoping for. “I’ve gotten exactly what I was looking for from this experience. I get to have a connection to the younger generation when I know that otherwise I wouldn’t have that opportunity as readily. I have a neat friend who’s a different age and from a different background than I am, and it’s been really fun to watch him grow up and navigate the world.”
Jon and Angelo’s story is a testament to the transformative power of mentorship and friendship. In our diverse Bay Area community, this Match’s journey exemplifies the beauty of bridging differences and finding common ground. As Angelo heads toward adulthood, Jon envisions their bond remaining steadfast, rooted in friendship and mutual respect. “I’ll probably give him a call every once in a while, see if he wants to go get something to eat, and just talk.”
If Jon and Angelo’s story resonates with you, consider becoming a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area. Sign up today and embark on a journey of connection and transformation, where every moment shared has the power to make a lasting impact.