Match of the Month - DJ and Andy

​DJ is a 13-year old boy who lives in Ann Arbor with his mom and sisters.  He was previously matched with a Big Brother for 3 years – and when that match closed, we all felt that he would continue to benefit from another mentoring relationship as he was in middle school, and 9th grade this upcoming school year, and we know how important these transition periods are for young people. 
 
Andy enrolled in BBBS last year.  He’d been retired for 4 years, and had time and knowledge to share.  Andy said he’d been reflecting on all of the people that had provided him with mentorship in his career and wanted to help a young person better position themselves for success.
 
And these two seem to have been an easy fit.  Both are active and outgoing.  Everything they seem to do involves being out in the community, hiking, having fun and learning together.  We’ve gotten to see them really develop their relationship as they’ve attended several of our group events….giving back during one of our community service days, Ypsi PROUD and taking a trip to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra to take in the “May the 4th Be with You” performance.  So, all you Star Wars fans out there….come join us, we have a young person to match you with to play light sabers with.
 
They’re both busy and traveling this summer for vacations and summer camp, but have been able to stay in contact through phone calls, texts and Andy always sends pictures of his travels to DJ when checking in.
 
We’re excited for school to be back in session and them to be able to see each other more regularly again, as we know what an important transition it is to go into High School and we want to have as many people in supportive roles for DJ so that he can achieve his full potential.

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