CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Back in the spring of 2014, the Lesley University Athletics Department and the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay paired up in hopes of making a difference to children in our nearby community. Nearly two years later, more and more Lynx student-athletes are becoming involved to learn that it's not only their "littles" that are benefitting from the partnership.
The BBBSMB provides children who lack positive adult role models with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships with caring, responsible adults in communities throughout Massachusetts Bay.
The BBBSMB spotlighted Mike Slaby and Nick Iadevaio, two of the first "bigs" to connect Lesley with the organization, in their recent article on their website. From the release:
Lesley University baseball players Mike Slaby and Nick Iadevaio have both stepped up to the plate as leaders in their community by becoming Bigs. They are each part of our school-based program and spend time with their Little Brothers once a week at the MLK School in Cambridge.
Mike Slaby, a junior on the baseball team, has been matched with his Little, Natnael, since last semester and they have greatly enjoyed their time together. "Honestly, the best part of my visits with Natnael occurs even before we start hanging out. Every time I walk into the MLK school cafeteria at the beginning of my visit, he runs up to me with the biggest smile on his face and jumps up to hug me. There really is no better feeling than knowing that somebody is that happy to see you".
Mike and Natnael both enjoy staying active, so a few of their favorite activities to do together are playing basketball and soccer.
Thus far, Mike has seen great improvement in their relationship and has seen a noticeable impact made on both sides. "Having the ability to be a positive influence on Natnael through Big Brothers has been such a rewarding and humbling experience. Our relationship has already grown significantly since when we first met last year and I can honestly say that he has impacted me just as much as I have impacted him".
Nick Iadevaio, a sophomore also on the baseball team, has been matched with his Little, Griffin, since last semester. They enjoy playing board games, reading comics, and playing sports with each other.
Nick has been involved with mentoring roles in the past, so the decision to become a Big Brother was an easy one for him. He understands that in a mentoring relationship that the mentee is never the only one to learn through the experience. "For the better part of a year, I have had the privilege of spending time with Griffin. His unremitting energy to simply live and enjoy life has taught me more than any textbook could ever do".
To view the article in its entirety, please click here.