FINDING CONFIDENCE, ONE CONVERSATION & ONE PLAYLIST AT A TIME: JASON & ZACK

Some people know Big Zack as a cohost of Mojo in the Morning. Around BBBSSEM, you may also recognize him from Runway 313 or his support of Battle of the Bands. But to Little Jason, Zack is something much simpler and more important: his Big.

Jason entered high school looking for a positive male figure in his corner, and the two found plenty of common ground almost immediately. Music was a big part of it. So were conversations about school, careers, confidence, and figuring out what comes next. Over time, those shared interests have become the foundation for a relationship Jason says has helped him feel “more confident about life.”

A playlist becomes a bridge

One of their early activities asked Jason and Zack to build playlists of songs that made them feel good about themselves and explain why they chose them. What could have stayed a simple activity kept going after the session ended. Zack shared his favorite music. Jason shared his. Then Jason brought in a CD from one of his favorite bands for Zack to hear.

Zack genuinely enjoyed it, and suddenly they had another thing that belonged to the two of them: music to trade, debate, and discover together.

Making a plan for what comes next

As Jason navigated high school, their conversations started stretching beyond the next assignment or semester. Jason wanted a plan for life after school, including a job and eventually a car. Zack could offer something especially useful here: his own career story.

He talked with Jason about working in radio, how he found his way into the field, and what it means to start figuring out a career that fits you. Their Match Support Coordinator saw that same growth taking shape. Jason said Zack helps him make plans toward his goals, while Zack described his own role simply: helping Jason maintain his grades, plan for after high school, and work through hard times.

Confidence you can see

By spring, both of them were noticing a change. Zack said Jason had become more confident and more open to new people. Jason said the same thing about himself: “I have learned how to be more confident and open to meeting new people.” Match Support staff noticed their bond growing session by session, usually accompanied by plenty of smiling and laughing.

And when Jason was asked what award his Big should win?

“Coolest Big.”

Hard to argue with that.

Find it here

Zack spends part of his professional life talking to thousands of people at once. Mentoring asks for something very different: sitting across from one young person, listening closely, sharing what you know, and coming back again.
Jason says he and Zack “get closer every session.” Maybe that is what they have found here: happiness, laughter, common ground, and the confidence that grows when someone consistently helps you see a path forward.
You do not need a microphone, a public platform, or all the answers to make that kind of connection. You just need to show up as yourself and make room for a young person beside you. 

Become a Big, and find it here.