Burnaby resident Jonathan Shively, 32, is studying neurobiology and biochemistry at the University of British Columbia. He grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania as an only child and always wanted a brother to play golf or soccer with. Having gone through many years of schooling, Shively decided that spending a few hours a week with a boy who needs a buddy would be the much needed study break he had been seeking all these years.
“I have always wanted to volunteer as a Big Brother. It’s an easy and fun way to give back to the community and make a difference in a young boy’s life,” says Shively. “Sylvan and I have been spending time together for just under a year. I would have never expected to benefit from this experience as much as I have in such little time.”
Richmond resident and Little Brother Sylvan is nine years old. He enjoys playing sports, video games and spending time with his Big Brother. The two sports enthusiasts spend a couple of hours every week playing computer games, sports and just hanging out.
“Big Brothers is great at pairing volunteers with the right boy based on interests,” says Sylvan’s mother, Diana. With four other children at home, it is difficult to balance a full time job, care for and spend quality time with each of her children, especially the boys. “Jonathan understands that I’m an extremely busy person,” Diana explains. “It really helps that the program allows so much flexibility. Jonathan is great at coordinating activities to do with Sylvan every week.”
When asked what he’d like to be when he grows up, Sylvan says that he “wants to be a money maker.” With a creative mind such as this, it’s not a stretch to believe that he has a bright future. His mom equates much of this newly discovered creativity to his time spent with Shively, whom she feels has not only uplifted Sylvan’s spirit, but also truly helped him with his marks at school, his discipline in class and the relationships he has with his friends and four siblings.
With Big Brothers, the benefits are limitless. As a Big Brother, Shively can take a well deserved break from the books to spend time with a new friend. As a Little Brother, Sylvan can grow up with a positive male role model and a buddy to do guy stuff with. And as a mother, Diana can find relief from her daily grind knowing that her boy is getting all the attention he deserves.
Little brother Sylvan has had an ‘everlasting jawbreaker’ for over a year now. That is about the same amount of time since he was initially matched with his Big Brother. Based on the relationship they have, when the jawbreaker is long gone, these two will still be close friends.
Photography by Little Wish Photography
