In 1999, Michael had recently retired from the military and was searching for a way to make a difference on his own. His journey as a mentor began with Fighting Back Partnership in Vallejo, where he worked with Arthelle, now still his Match Support Specialist at Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area. Now, 25 years later, Michael has connected with several Littles over the years and formed enduring relationships.
Over the years, Michael has had three long-term Matches. Each of these Matches is special to Michael. His current Match, Marcellus, will be graduating from the program this year and will be attending San Jose State University on a full ride scholarship. They’ve been Matched for over six years.
For Michael, the impact of mentorship isn’t focused on accomplishment milestones; it’s about building connections rooted in shared identity and understanding. “I ask for my Littles to be biracial like I am. It does make a difference—there’s an immediate acceptance from the Little because we have that in common. I remember with my first Little, Jontue, we shared similar experiences of not fitting in or being ostracized. I told him that I had been through the same thing, and that we have to accept who we are. My second long-term Little, Jonathan, was adopted like I was, so we bonded over that too.”
Michael’s journey is a testament to the profound impact of mentorship, not only on the mentees but also on the mentors themselves. “All of my Matches have taught me something… I always felt like I got the better end of the deal,” Michael says. “I used to believe that in order to make a difference in the world, in order to be effective, I had to be part of a unit. So I was wondering, what can I do by myself that can make a difference? Only when I started mentoring was I convinced that, as an individual, I could make a difference, one mentee, one Little at a time.”
“I was wondering, what can I do by myself that can make a difference? Only when I started mentoring was I convinced that, as an individual, I could make a difference, one mentee, one Little at a time.”
Even when his Littles grow up, Michael is happy to hear about how they’re doing. He recounts, “When Jontue had grown up, he actually came back to my house unannounced. He wanted to show me the very first car he had bought for himself! He was so proud that he’d bought it with his own money and wanted me to take a look at it. I told him I was really proud of him, and I’ll never forget the smile on his face.”
As Michael continues to inspire and uplift those around him, his story serves as a poignant reminder that the most profound impact often emerges from the simplest acts of kindness and understanding. In a world that can often seem unpredictable, Michael’s unwavering dedication to his Littles highlights the importance of compassion, connection, and consistency. With each outing, each shared moment, our Bigs make a difference in the lives of Bay Area youth.
If you’re inspired by Michael’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 impact in the lives of our local youth.