Who (was/is) a Game Changer in your life?
Growing up, I was a Little Sister within Big Brothers Big Sisters for about 10 years, and my Big Sister, Elizabeth, was a game changing mentor. I grew up in a single-parent home. While there were many wonderful moments, I also experienced disappointment whenever plans with my other parent fell through. Elizabeth’s consistency in getting together with me showed me I was someone worth being around, which boosted my self-compassion.

What did you want to be when you were little?
In kindergarten, I told people I wanted to be a clown. LOL! Then from 1st grade through most of high school, I wanted to be an actress. Senior year of high school, I realized I wanted to become a journalist. By then, I’d studied in Germany for a year as an exchange student. I figured journalism would be a good way to combine my longtime passion, storytelling, with my newer interest, international awareness.

Why is mentoring important to you?
As a former Little, I just had to give back to the community that raised me by becoming a Big! Watching my Little, Courtney, grow from a girl to a teen has been heartwarming. Her maturity never ceases to impress me.  She’s excited to get her first job so she can have her own money. She’s talked about one day becoming a police officer or an entrepreneur. At the same time, she’s said things like, “When I’m an adult, I’m going to order 2 large fries and just go home.” I don’t have my own kids, and my adult friends are often busy. I forget about that when I hang out with Courtney.

Question from a Little:
Little Brother Carter: “What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?”
Kiya: “Mint chocolate chip!”

Who (was/is) a Game Changer in your life? 
Stanley Branson, the Dean of Students at my high school, was a mentor in my life. He played a major role in molding my character. He looked out for me and everybody else, made sure we were taking care of ourselves and paying attention in the classroom. He was someone who had the best in mind for all of us.

Why is mentoring important to you?
Mentoring is an incredible, life-changing gift for young people. I’ve had several mentors throughout my life and they’ve been critical to the development of who and where I am today. I’m so grateful for their influence and that’s why I jumped at the chance to work with Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities to contribute similarly to the lives of youth.

Question from a Little:
Little: “What’s your favorite food.”
Harrison: “Melted cheese!”

Who is a Game Changer in your life?
My wife Mercedes Taylor, she always pushes me to be the best version of myself and is always there for me.

What did you want to be when you were little?
I wanted to be a professional soccer player or a dancer.

Why is mentoring important to you?
Mentoring is important to me because I’ve always loved the idea of growing. I’ve always strived to grow in multiple areas of my life and I believe this has helped get to where and who I am today. Also, I believe in helping the future youth grow as others helped me along my journey and leaving them with more opportunity and experience than I had.

Question from a Little:
Little Brother Liam: “If you could learn to play one instrument what would it be and why?”
DJ: “I would play the violin, I love the sound of the violin whenever I hear it in person or in music.”

Who was a Game Changer in your life?
A game changer in my life was my goalie coach Gerry. When I switched to a full time position at 13, he gave me the confidence to make the position change. Although the path has had a few bumps on the road, I’ll be forever grateful for my career to him.

What did you want to be when you were little?
I wanted to be a professional soccer player and I am fortunate enough to be living my dream! I also wanted to become a chef as I loved watching the food network and I have a passion for food and bringing people together that sticks with me ’til this day.

Why is mentoring important to you? Mentoring is important to me because it allows a different voice from someone that is trustworthy with a variety of different experiences that can share their knowledge so that we can feel confident with our approach to difficult tasks and in our daily lives.

Question from a Little:
Little Brother Carter: “What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?”
Dayne: “Butter pecan!”