New Big Brother Gets Perfect Match!

I am writing to say thank you for matching me up with a great kid! I recently moved to Austin from San Francisco and I had worked with middle school students there from a “STAR” school in the Mission District. Don’t be fooled by the acronym, a STAR school means the kids and the school itself have challenges on several fronts. I found that tutoring these kids was so rewarding and I was looking for an opportunity to do work with kids again here in Austin. The interview process was good and found a great match for me. I met with my Little Brother at Hart Elementary just 3 weeks ago and we both already look forward to our weekly meetings. He is a very smart boy whose teacher has told me that he is already going to be tested for GT (gifted/talented) classes. I carefully slip him hints as we play games about how important it is to study, do his homework and be patient with his work. He takes it all in stride and he’s beaten me in Jenga twice already. I should cut down on the coffee I guess. I also rediscovered the joy of construction paper art. We talked about everything from his pet birds to trading cards as we made a Jet-Powered, jacked-up pickup truck rocket across a lake to the starry sky.

Taking this hour out of my work week really gives me a chance to slow down and keep other things in perspective. It is great for me (and my Little Brother I hope) to take time out to just talk and hang out together. Thanks again! -- Bob McGivney