Matt & Austin

 

Big Brother Matt Costigan and Little Brother Austin took a few minutes from practicing their golf swing at Annie's Driving Range to chat about their experience as participants in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.

In their time together (it'll be two years next month!), Matt and Austen have done lots of cool things. Of course, they take part in many Big Brothers Big Sisters activities like Bowl for Kids' Sake, Mentoring Night at Six Flags, and the Annual Summer Picnic.  Sometimes they head out on their own to watch the Celtics or the Red Sox. Having been together so long, one may think that picking a favorite activity is quite a challenge, but Austin's response was immediate:  "Just hangin' out."  Matt nodded in agreement.  For these two, checking out the Red Sox live and in person simply cannot compare with fishing, bike riding, or just chilling together on a slow day.

So what brought these two to Big Brothers Big Sisters?  Having enjoyed time spent with his nieces and nephews, Matt thought getting involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters would be a great way to have a positive impact on a child and do something productive with some of his free time.  He also had very positive encouragement from friends who were already in the program as well.  Now as a Big, he finds himself encouraging others to get involved.  "I would totally recommend the program. People often ask me about Austin and what it's like to be a Big.  It's really a chance to have fun and take part in a meaningful friendship."  And Matt has certainly done that.  Just hanging out on a regular basis has done so much for Austin.  When asked about some of the changes he's seen in Austin, Matt says, "he's a lot more outgoing and confident.  He just seems like a more mature person.  Really like a young man.  I find that he's not so delicate as he was when we first met and has a thicker skin."

Austin was actually referred to the program by the school he was attending at the time.  When the school contacted his mom about the possibility, she realized that this would be a great opportunity.  Austin was very interested in "guy stuff," and he really didn't have any male role models.  She felt like he would greatly benefit from some positive attention from a Big Brother.  It turns out she was right!  Austin is very forthright about some of the changes that Matt has made in his life.  "It's been nice.  More relaxed. I haven't been worrying so much about things that happen with my family.  I have a cousin, a grandmother, and a grandfather who died, and I don't really have to think about that stuff.  And if I do, I can talk to Matt.  He helps me through the entire situation."  All that support has developed just through bowling or hanging out at the driving range!  It's great how life can sometimes be as simple as that.

As always, September brings the beginning of a new school year.  This year, Austin will be acclimating to Chicopee Comprehensive High School.  He's starting as a freshman and is ready to get going on his carpentry and automotive training.  To get some more practice outside of the classroom, he's been helping out with repairs on a 1955 Chevy pickup.  Currently, Austin plans to create his career primarily using the carpentry training but figures the automotive will come in handy.  The world of car owners most certainly can agree on that!

All the while, he knows he has Matt by his side to help him with any challenges along the way and to celebrate all the successes that are just on the horizon.