Five years ago, Little Brother Makalii would’ve been described as a shy boy who lacked self-confidence. He also needed to improve his grades in school and his lifestyle. These concerns as well as realizing her son needed a positive male role model prompted his single mother to contact Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii.
A case manager from the agency worked diligently to find an adult mentor for him, and eventually matched him with Big Brother Corbin. The two began meeting regularly and bonded over sports and meals, where they’d discuss any challenges Makalii had and ways to overcome them.
With support and encouragement from Corbin, Makalii is now an honor roll student in high school at Mid-Pacific Institute where he’s a Citizen’s Award recipient, student council member, and volleyball team captain.
Corbin’s life has also changed as a result of Makalii. He has since left his position as a Risk Management Representative for a local insurance company to become a police officer, a job where he feels capable of building bridges in the community to help others improve their lives.
“I feel that Big Brothers Big Sisters has helped me to grow even more than Makalii and I am profoundly grateful for that,” Corbin said. “I have matured beyond my years.”
In 2017, Corbin was named Big Brother of the Year and was recognized for positive influence on Makalii as well as his support of the agency at many events and activities.
“Corbin has been an amazing part of my life and I couldn’t ever think of my life without him,” Makalii said. “He is there whenever I need him, he will always listen to what I have to say, and most importantly, never judges me.”
