Matt, Kara & Kamari

The word “friendship” truly describes the relationship between Big Brother Matt Stevens, Big Sister Kara Stevens, and Little Brother Kamari. According to Kara, “It’s become very comfortable. At first, I just really wanted him to like me, you know. But now it’s so natural, and we’re all just friends.” Matt says, “I really enjoy seeing Kamari and like his sense of humor and being able to laugh with him. He’s very witty and makes intelligent, quick comments.”

Even with their busy lives, Matt and Kara decided this was just the type of friendship they needed in their lives. Matt is currently entering the last phase of his doctorate work at Antioch University, and Kara works as an auditor for Wolf and Company, P.C. in Springfield. Their home in West Springfield serves as the hub for their daily lives and is also conveniently close to Kamari’s home in Springfield.

The program was a perfect fit for Kamari, too. A fifth-grader at Sabis International Charter School in Springfield, Kamari stays occupied and involved with football during the playing season, but living with his grandfather in Springfield means Kamari didn’t get out all that often. Thanks to his friendship with Matt and Kara, Kamari keeps a busy social life and tries lots of new things. He says, “I like the program because I get to have fun and go to different places. And it’s really great that we have the same tastes and interests.”

While sometimes it’s tough for some matches to decide on a favorite memory, this group voted unanimously—the recent trip to Fenway. For Matt and Kara, it was just another trip to Fenway. But for Kamari, it was so much more because he had never been to Fenway or seen anything remotely like it. For Matt, it was one of those magical moments so many other Bigs have experienced. “I’ve been to Fenway so many times, so I didn’t think anything of it. I’m such a Sox fan, so it was great to get to be the person to bring him there for the first time.”

So while a year has already gone by, and the group will soon meet up with someone at Big Brothers Big Sisters to talk about their year together, it seems like there is so much to come for these three. This is just the beginning for Matt, Kara, and Kamari, and they definitely look forward to hanging out together and letting the good times roll.