Tim was drawn to volunteer with BBBSBA because of his own experiences growing up as an only child in Milpitas with ADHD. He says, “When I was growing up, I had a great upbringing and loving parents, but it’s hard to discuss how hard ADHD can be with someone who doesn’t have it. There were struggles I had to deal with, where I learned the hard way. It took me a long time to get to this point. So I wanted to share my experience with someone who’s in the same situation, like my Little Jeremias.”
When Tim and Jeremias were Matched in March 2023, Jeremias had just been diagnosed with ADHD. They talked about what it was like to navigate the diagnosis, and Tim gave his Little tips on how to deal with it. “The whole relationship has been very genuine from the beginning,” Tim says. “When I was researching online about the program, it was a little intimidating at first. But the moment that I met him, I felt like I had known him for a long time. It’s been nothing but a monumental, life-changing experience for me.”
Tim and Jeremias also bonded over fun activities, such as spending time at the park, arcade, library, and their shared love of video games. “All of our outings have been memorable,” Tim reflects. “I remember one particular moment when I was picking him up from school in San Jose. These kids came running toward the car, asking if I was Jeremias’s big brother. He leaned over and said, ‘See, I told you guys!’ It was a sweet reminder of the impact I have on him.” Mayra, Jeremias’s mom, echoes Tim’s sentiments, expressing gratitude for the positive influence he has had on her son’s life. “Their visits are quality time, and it’s nice for him to just be a kid and have fun,” she shares. “Tim is his safe space where he can be himself.”
As they navigate various challenges together, from school bullying to anxiety about camp, Tim finds himself learning as much from Jeremias as he is teaching. “I know the program is about being a mentor— I wondered what I would teach him. But he teaches me a lot about myself. Being with him is a constant reminder of being present in the moment, appreciating everything you have. It’s taught me to be a more caring, loving, and genuine human being.”
“I know the program is about being a mentor, but he teaches me a lot about myself.”
In only a year, Tim and Jeremias have built a bond grounded in shared experiences, warm openness, and consistent support. Although Tim joined the program looking to mentor someone with similar life experiences, he’s surprised and grateful to have met a Little who, even at 10 years old, helps him see things in a new way. To encourage more Bigs to sign up, Tim says, “You get more than what you give. It has really been life-changing for me, and I’m sure it is for a lot of people in the program. As you get older, we forget to live in the present moment, and being part of this program gives you a fresh way of looking at the world. The Match not only improves your Little’s confidence in academics and social skills, but your confidence too.”
If you connect with Tim and Jeremias’s story, consider becoming a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area. Sign up today and make a lasting difference in the life of a Bay Area kid.