Rich & Arrow

With an adventurous spirit, and a drive to always explore new activities and challenges, Arrow had the potential to do great things in his life. But at 9 years old, and with a father living across the country, Arrow’s Mother knew he needed some help. As Arrow continued to grow, he showed interest in sports, outdoor activities and trying new things, but at times, these interests came at the expense of school. Arrow’s Mom knew her son could do great things, and a positive role model could be the key to unlocking that potential inside.

Arrow’s Mother went to Big Brothers Big Sisters for help. After a brief search for the perfect Big, Arrow was introduced to Rich. As the coordinator of the Bay-Arenac ISD’s Great Start Collaborative, Rich witnessed the value of mentoring, and helping kids grow each day of his life. He also knew that each child was unique, and there’s no one size fits all solution to igniting their potential. In addition to his professional credentials, Rich was an avid sports fan, and outdoor enthusiast. From the very first day they met, Rich, Arrow and Mom knew this was a perfect fit.

“In healthy and thriving communities, youth have healthy and productive relationships with adults who care about them.”

With such a wealth of shared interests, Rich and Arrow bonded quickly. Immediately, they started attending Saginaw Spirt games together, fishing, hiking and playing basketball at local parks and community centers. Through their time together, Rich discovered that Arrow was a child with a strong desire to learn and grow, and wasn’t afraid to step out of his comfort zone. Because of this, Rich knew that with some guidance, Arrow could become a better student too. As Arrow struggled with poor grades, particularly in areas of school that involved memorization, Rich was able to intervene. He helped Arrow with school when they had a chance, and taught him more efficient study habits he could use throughout his life. It didn’t take long before Arrow started receiving A’s in classes he was struggling to pass before, and feeling more confident in school.

Now 12 years old, Arrow is in 6th grade, and beginning to look toward his future. Right now, he dreams of playing in the NBA, and Rich noted he’s become a markedly better basketball player since they met. Whether Arrow plays in the NBA, or does something else with his life, it’s clear to see that his relationship with Rich has laid the foundation for future success. Rich noted that Arrow consistently does well in school now, always wants to try new things, and has dramatically improved his social skills and friendships.

Rich and Arrow both spoke fondly of their friendship, and intend to remain friends long after their time with Big Brothers Big Sisters ends. Rich shared that he’s currently involved in a healthy community initiative, and that their research showed that programs like BBBS are critical for community success. “In healthy and thriving communities, youth have healthy and productive relationships with adults who care about them,” Rich shared. “You can never have too many mentors.”

With an adventurous spirit, and a drive to always explore new activities and challenges, Arrow had the potential to do great things in his life. But at 9 years old, and with a father living across the country, Arrow’s Mother knew he needed some help. As Arrow continued to grow, he showed interest in sports, outdoor activities and trying new things, but at times, these interests came at the expense of school. Arrow’s Mom knew her son could do great things, and a positive role model could be the key to unlocking that potential inside.

Arrow’s Mother went to Big Brothers Big Sisters for help. After a brief search for the perfect Big, Arrow was introduced to Rich. As the coordinator of the Bay-Arenac ISD’s Great Start Collaborative, Rich witnessed the value of mentoring, and helping kids grow each day of his life. He also knew that each child was unique, and there’s no one size fits all solution to igniting their potential. In addition to his professional credentials, Rich was an avid sports fan, and outdoor enthusiast. From the very first day they met, Rich, Arrow and Mom knew this was a perfect fit.

With such a wealth of shared interests, Rich and Arrow bonded quickly. Immediately, they started attending Saginaw Spirt games together, fishing, hiking and playing basketball at local parks and community centers. Through their time together, Rich discovered that Arrow was a child with a strong desire to learn and grow, and wasn’t afraid to step out of his comfort zone. Because of this, Rich knew that with some guidance, Arrow could become a better student too. As Arrow struggled with poor grades, particularly in areas of school that involved memorization, Rich was able to intervene. He helped Arrow with school when they had a chance, and taught him more efficient study habits he could use throughout his life. It didn’t take long before Arrow started receiving A’s in classes he was struggling to pass before, and feeling more confident in school.

Now 12 years old, Arrow is in 6th grade, and beginning to look toward his future. Right now, he dreams of playing in the NBA, and Rich noted he’s become a markedly better basketball player since they met. Whether Arrow plays in the NBA, or does something else with his life, it’s clear to see that his relationship with Rich has laid the foundation for future success. Rich noted that Arrow consistently does well in school now, always wants to try new things, and has dramatically improved his social skills and friendships.

“In healthy and thriving communities, youth have healthy and productive relationships with adults who care about them.”

Rich and Arrow both spoke fondly of their friendship, and intend to remain friends long after their time with Big Brothers Big Sisters ends. Rich shared that he’s currently involved in a healthy community initiative, and that their research showed that programs like BBBS are critical for community success. “In healthy and thriving communities, youth have healthy and productive relationships with adults who care about them,” Rich shared. “You can never have too many mentors.”