Big Sid was a college student when he was matched with Little Damario, and he didn’t think being young would be an obstacle. In fact, Sid believes that becoming a Big Brother while still in college was one of the best decisions he ever made. “If you’re coming to college for a learning experience, you need to do a volunteer experience with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area,” Sid says, emphasizing how much more you gain from life when you step outside the classroom and invest in others.
Growing up as an only child, Sid often wished he had a sibling to share experiences with. When Damario came into his life, he saw an opportunity to fill that gap—not just by providing guidance but by connecting with someone on a deep, meaningful level. From talks on the BART to exploring the city and catching movies together, Sid found that his role as a mentor gave him the chance to be a positive older influence in Damario’s life. But, in the end, it wasn’t just Damario who benefitted from the relationship—it was Sid, too.
“I always say this about the program: I came here thinking I could have a good impact on someone. But it was really the other way around.”
Being a Big Brother in his twenties taught Sid that mentorship isn’t just about passing on wisdom; it’s about learning from the other person, being challenged by their experiences, and growing alongside them. The relationship became just as much about Sid’s development as it was about Damario’s.
Sid’s experience with Damario wasn’t without its struggles. Damario is a child with disabilities and has mental health challenges, while Sid was also navigating his own personal health challenges during this time. But this shared journey made their bond stronger. “I’ve had a lot of mentors give me a lot of chances,” Sid explains. “In this program, you’re basically paying it forward.” Being a younger mentor gave Sid a new perspective on the importance of having others in your corner, and also showed him the impact of being that positive influence for someone else.
One of the things that stood out to Sid was Damario’s unshakable determination. Damario is committed to becoming a BART operator, a dream he talks about often. “He’s very dead set on that. He’s stubborn in a good way…he’s got guts,” Sid shares. Even though Sid has expressed his own challenges taking the BART, he made it a point to push through his discomfort in order to better support Damario’s goals.
Sid remembers the last time he saw Damario before he moved from Berkeley back home to New Jersey—Damario’s dance recital. It was a moment of bittersweet pride for Sid, who had seen Damario grow so much. “His dance recital was absolutely amazing,” Sid recalls. “He danced incredibly. I mean, he did a backflip! I didn’t even know he could do that! It was so amazing.” Watching Damario exceed expectations, including his own, was a powerful reminder of the impact mentorship can have. It’s not just about helping someone achieve their goals—it’s about being part of their journey and celebrating their victories, big and small.
Although their formal match ended when Sid moved away, as Damario is based in Walnut Creek, their relationship remains strong. They still keep in touch, exchanging holiday greetings and checking in on each other’s lives. The emotional bond that formed between them during their time together speaks volumes about the strength of their relationship, even with a younger mentor. Sid’s experience proves that age is not a barrier to making a real, lasting impact. Young mentors like Sid show that leadership and guidance can come at any stage of life, and that sometimes, the most meaningful connections are built when both mentor and mentee grow together.
If Sid and Damario’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!