Congratulations to our July Community-Based Big of the Month, Jesus Delatorre!
How were you able to get your Little to open up?
"Give some advice to other Bigs who may have shy Littles just like yours.
I really just tried to dig into what he liked or liked to talk about. Then after collecting the info, I researched and looked for what I would be able to get involved in that he also liked. In our case, that was Pokémon Go. So I spent a couple of weeks learning and having him teach me how to play (I’m not a gamer so this was new to me). I could see his confidence grow as he was teaching me something, and we can walk around a park for hours hunting Pokémon and participating in raids."
What is your favorite outing that you have been on with Damian?
"I really like going to the parks with him and going on Pokémon raids. We recently started riding our bikes out now that the weather is great, so we ride around for a couple of hours and then grab a bite to eat."
What is your favorite part about being a Big?
"See the growth in Damian. He has come out of his shell quite a bit, and getting to see his personality has been awesome. Also getting to see how I can try to help influence him into making smart decisions and making the best of life."
With things opening back up in the community, what are you most excited to do with Damian?
"We honestly have been having fun with what we’re doing now. Being outdoors is nice for him because of being stuck indoors cause of school. So the bike rides and lunch have been super great."
Would you and Damian rather:
Go out to eat OR do something active?
Hmm, I would say both in this case. Do something active and work up that appetite then go out to eat.
Gets tickets to a sporting event OR tickets to a museum?
Tickets to a sporting event. He had such a blast at the checkers game we went to with BBBS
Connect in person OR virtually?
Definitely connect in person. He's having to do school via zoom made him have zoom fatigue, so safely meeting in person was the best way for us to see each other.
Thank you for being a wonderful mentor, Jesus!