July 17, 2009
Friday

Bailey is an eleven year old boy with an impish smile and a huge heart. When he was first matched with his Big Brother, Ketchikan minister, George Pasley, he was struggling in school. George and Bailey began their match, meeting in the classroom for an hour a week, but in the almost two years they've been together, George and Bailey's friendship has grown and flourished. The pair now meets regularly out in the community, where they enjoy walks and hikes and activities with George's church.

Little Brother Bailey and Big Brother George Pasley Photo courtesy Big Brothers Big Sisters

Big Brother George is so committed to his Little Brother Bailey; he still goes to Bailey's classroom and helps out. George even taught Bailey's class one day, inspiring them with his own poems and getting the class interested in poetry.

Bailey and I chatted about what George means to him. He said poignantly, "He's a really nice Big Brother. He is always there for me. He's like a Dad to me." Bailey continued, "Having George has helped me kind of get over my anger problems, and I am better in math and I understand things more clearly."

Bailey and George are friends. George has encouraged Bailey to become a better student, to persevere even when things aren't going his way. Bailey has grown into more confident boy with a can-do attitude!

George says of his Little Brother, Bailey: "Watching him grow emotionally and intellectually has been the coolest thing - you can almost see it happen right before your eyes." He continues, "Bailey is a very thankful kid; he's very polite."

Does this equation sound interesting to you? Become a Big and see what a difference you can make in the life of a Little.

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