“Wait, I am supposed to be teaching him to be a better person?” These are the words that run through my mind each and every time I drop off my “Little Bro” that I am matched with through Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBS).

When SigEp elected BBBS as our single national philanthropic and service-learning partner at the 2013 Conclave, I knew I wanted to get involved. I heard numerous stories about how someone changed a young child’s life, and I knew that I wanted to do the same.

So it began! I signed up to be a “Big Bro” for BBBS in Muncie, Ind. Not really knowing what to expect, I was still excited and ready to start. After a little bit of a wait, I was finally matched with my Little Bro, Kyler.

The first few times we were together were a little quiet for obvious reasons. I mainly asked questions about what he liked to do and what he wanted out of this. Once we had developed a relationship, I started to become amazed, and pushed to my limits (in a good way).

Each time Kyler and I would get together, I would ask simple questions that I hoped would encourage him to become a better person—questions like, “Did you open a door for someone today?” or “You told your mom ‘thank you’ for everything she does, right?” At first it felt good to lead him to a new level of respect and leadership, but then one day the tables turned. I found myself answering these questions FOR HIM.

When I picked him up, he got into my truck and said, “Hey Brock, did you open a door for someone today?” At first I just answered the question, but it wasn’t until later that night that it really hit me. Not only was he becoming a better person, now he was holding me accountable for the same things I expected out of him. I had to remember that he was only 12 years old. This was incredible! From that day on, the trend of him teaching me continued.

The most touching experience was during the holidays. Prior to Christmas, I had shown him my Daily Devotional and given him some of my favorite Bible verses. I thought he didn’t show much interest and was just agreeing with what I was saying because he didn’t share his thoughts or ask many questions. When I asked him what he wanted for Christmas, his list read as follows:

– A few pairs of socks
– Jeans
– A Daily Devotional/Bible study book

Simple as that. As any older brother would do, I went out and purchased everything he asked for and a little extra!

Once I returned from Christmas break, I finally realized that Kyler was the one who was teaching me to be a better person … not me teaching him! We got together and he had already read 10 days ahead because he loved reading the Devotions. He also made sure that I was keeping up on my readings! ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!

From now on, no matter what I am doing, Kyler is always in the back of my mind. He is one of the people who motivates me to be a better person day in and day out. For those that think they are leaders and helping others, take a step back and visualize everything you have learned from others. The people you interact with daily will help you discover so much more about yourself. Who is teaching whom in your situation?

After attending the 2014 Ruck Leadership Institute, Brock Frazer was elected as the chapter president of the Indiana Gamma Chapter at Ball State. He is currently a rising junior studying professional selling and entrepreneurship. 

Learn more about SigEp’s partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters.