On O’ahu, Big Brother Jody and Little Brother Skyler have been matched for nine years. Raised by a single mother, Skyler joined the Big Brothers Big Sisters program to have a positive male figure in his life. When Skyler first met his new Big Brother, he was so nervous he hid under a desk and barely spoke a word. It took him awhile to open up, but Jody persevered. Now a teenager, Skyler is now the one who often cannot stop talking; sharing stories, hopes, and aspirations with his Big Brother and role model. “He [Skyler] is an inspiration to this world and he’s an inspiration to me. I’m just so grateful for that—for our relationship and the bond that we have. I’m glad to be a part of his journey,” says Jody.