When Jorge was 12 years old, his mom Carmen enrolled him in Big Brothers Big Sisters with a simple hope: that her shy son would have a supportive role model who could help build his confidence, offer encouragement, and open the door to new experiences. As a single parent raising Jorge and his younger sister, Carmen knew the power of one-on-one attention, especially for a young person navigating adolescence with limited support from his father, who lives in Puerto Rico and has a history of arrest.
At the time he entered the program, Jorge struggled with school engagement, had low self-esteem, and was managing mild ADHD. He was quiet, unsure of himself, and unsure of his future. What he did not know was that he would soon be matched with not one, but two dedicated mentors who would walk alongside him during some of his most formative years.
Jorge was matched with a Big Couple just before his 13th birthday. Nearly two years later, that match continues to thrive. From the beginning, the connection was built through shared experiences. Together, they have explored museums, tried international foods, solved escape rooms, attended orchestra performances, played board games, and turned everyday moments like car rides into opportunities for fun and conversation. One of Jorge’s unexpected favorite activities quickly became museum visits, including trips to the Dali Museum, the Tampa Bay History Center, and the Holocaust Museum, which aligned with what he was learning in school. After one particularly heavy visit, the day ended with bowling and ice cream, a balance of reflection and joy that reflects the care his Bigs bring to their relationship.
Over time, Jorge’s outlook on school and his future has shifted. His ability to set goals, reflect on his progress, and take responsibility for his choices has grown significantly. Each year, Jorge and his Bigs participate in a goal-setting tradition where he identifies three personal goals and revisits them quarterly, scoring himself and discussing next steps. Through this practice, Jorge has developed greater self-awareness, confidence, and communication skills. These strengths recently showed up in a tangible way when he started his first job at Publix, navigating new responsibilities with pride and maturity.
Carmen has noticed the difference. She shares that Jorge listens closely to his Bigs and has been exposed to opportunities she may not always have the time or resources to provide. Most importantly, she sees her son widening his horizons and growing into himself.
For the Big Couple, the impact has been just as meaningful. They joined the program because they love learning, trying new things, and spending time with young people. Mentoring together allowed them to bring different perspectives to the relationship while supporting Jorge as a team. What they discovered is something they now say often: strong connections are built on shared experiences, regardless of age or background.
Today, Jorge is a curious, thoughtful 10th grader with growing confidence and a clearer sense of direction. His Bigs describe the match as one of the greatest joys in their lives, a relationship that has expanded their world and deepened their belief in the power of mentorship. They are passionate advocates for the Big Couple program and frequently share their experience with friends, colleagues, and professional networks, helping others see mentoring as something that can be done together.
Jorge’s story is a powerful reminder that when caring adults show up consistently, stay curious, and create space for connection, young people do not just grow, they thrive.
