Just be present with your Little – Ken and Orion’s Inspiring Journey

Ken and Orion story

For many young people, having a role model is a life-changing experience. At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound, we are encouraged by the power of mentoring relationships every day. This is the heartwarming story of Big Brother Ken and his Little Brother, Orion, a match built on shared humor, a love of cheeseburgers, and the impact of simply being present.  

How It All Began  

Ken and Orion’s journey started with a Zoom call in early 2023. When Ken first signed up to become a Big Brother, he didn’t know exactly what to expect. Having grown up in a big family and spent years volunteering with kids, Ken was eager to become a mentor. Despite the virtual setting, in the beginning, Ken felt an immediate connection. “It just felt right,” Ken recalled. “I could tell Orion was someone I’d enjoy spending time with.” Their Zoom meeting also had a memorable moment: when asked why he wanted to be part of the program, Ken jokingly replied, “For the money.” This funny story showed their shared sense of humor and set the tone for their mentorship.   

When they met in person, their first outing was simple but special: a meal at Red Robin and a trip to the beach near Orion’s home. “I remember feeling excited,” Ken shared.  “I had waited months for this match, and finally, it was happening”. Orion truly appreciated Ken for his kindness and approachable nature. “He’s really easy to be around,” Orion said. “And we both love cheeseburgers, so that was a win.”  

Ken and Orion are playing together

From Cheeseburgers to Bowling, Building Memorable Moments  

Over the past two years, Ken and Orion have created memories that will last a lifetime. From playing video games to exploring local beaches, they’ve built a relationship with trust, fun, and shared experiences. Ken, who describes himself as naturally introverted and quiet, finds that their time together pushes him to be more outgoing and engaged. He values the opportunity to step outside his comfort zone, try new things, and have meaningful conversations with Orion.  

One of their favorite memories is a bowling night that Ken and his wife hosted to celebrate the news of their first child. Ken invited Orion and his grandmas. “It meant so much to have Orion there,” Ken said. “Moments like that remind me how special this bond is, not just for Orion, but for me too.” It showed how Orion had grown to be one of Ken’s family members. 

He’s also observed positive changes in Orion, sharing how his thinking has evolved over time. “Orion is confident and knows what he likes,” Ken shared. “That inspires me because I was the opposite as a kid. Seeing him grow into himself has been amazing.”  

For Orion, their time together is about more than activities. “Ken listens,” Orion said, “He’s always there when I need him, like a big brother, and that means a lot.”  

Watch Ken and Orion’s interview on YouTube: Link 

Ken and Orion look at each other

Mentoring Can Be as Simple as Being Presence and Patience  

As they celebrate their second anniversary, Ken reflects on what being a Big Brother has taught him. “It’s not about being perfect,” he said. “It’s about showing up, being present, and letting your Little  know they matter.” Ken’s biggest hope for their mentoring relationship is simply to be consistently present and available for Orion. He believes that responsiveness and reliability are the cornerstones of a successful match.   

He also shared some advice for future Bigs: “Dive in and be patient. Don’t be too hard on yourself.” He wants new mentors to understand that building a strong relationship takes time and effort. He also wants Orion to know that he is always thinking about what they will do next together. This commitment to presence, consistent support, and patience is what makes the Big Brothers Big Sisters program so meaningful, fostering lasting bonds that positively influence young lives.  

If you’ve ever thought about becoming a mentor, take Ken’s advice: “Dive in. Be patient, be present, and trust that your time and care will make a difference. It’s worth it.”  

Learn more about becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister today! 

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