Match Story of the Month
Meet Eric & Tyler!
In the year since they’ve been matched, Eric (Big) and Tyler (Little) have formed a great friendship. Eric and Tyler enjoy spending time together doing such activities as putt-putt golf, fixing up Eric’s motorcycle, attending sporting events, and just hanging out and talking over lunch or dinner. Eric and Tyler have also taken advantage of many of the activities sponsored by Big Brothers Big Sisters including a number of Team B.I.G. events and volunteering for our Big Give fundraiser.
A favorite activity of Eric and Tyler’s was a hiking trip near C-470. Eric says: “I have never seen anyone as comfortable handling a snake as Tyler. I got to witness this first hand while hiking with a BBBS group during an event out west of C-470 in April of this year. Tyler and I were petting some horses along the path when all of a sudden a Little yelled she had spotted a garter snake about 40 yards up the path. To this day I have never seen a kid run as fast as Tyler did that day! Within seconds of reaching the snake, Tyler had the snake in his hands and was showing everyone that wanted to see.”
Both Eric and Tracy (Tyler’s grandmother) have noticed a significant improvement in Tyler’s behavior and academics since the match began. Eric and Tyler often go over math problems in the car on the way to their destinations, and Tracy says that overall Eric seems much happier. Eric says: when I introduce Tyler to new people it is great to see his self-confidence shine through as he will start a conversation with them.
Lastly, it has been great to see Tyler grow with his studies at school. “Last year when I asked him about school he didn’t seem all that interested. When I asked him about school this year, a couple weeks after starting 6th grade at a new school, he told me, “Eric – I can honestly say I am enjoying school this year so far.” This was extremely positive to hear. Tyler and I like to quiz each other with math problems to and from our events in an effort to improve our skills and knowledge. We look forward to learning and growing more together in the future. For me that might mean learning to handle a snake without fear!”
Share your story with us!
If you have a great moment with your Little, send us your story and a photo.
