Big Brother Geoffrey (Geoff) and Little Brother Raazi have turned a global pandemic into an opportunity to find new and exciting ways to communicate by starting their own podcast.
Geoff and Raazi have been matched through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona (BBBSAZ) for almost five years. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, they were determined not to let it impact their relationship or in-person discussions.
“We actually increased our communication through all of this, we talk every week either by phone or video,” Geoff said.
The two wanted to develop a podcast during the pandemic. So they did! They would record their various discussions and then post the content on different social media platforms.
“I try to give him every opportunity I can. All we need is a video, microphone and something to record ourselves and we can make it happen,” he said.
Geoff said that throughout his time with Big Brothers Big Sisters, he and Raazi have both developed a lot of interpersonal skills from doing various things together. From their newly developed podcast to speaking at the annual Big Night Out Gala.
“I’ve had to push myself outside of my comfort zone in order to push him outside of his comfort zone,” Geoff said. “I felt like if he could speak in front of that many people at the gala then he would have no problem being able to speak in front of his class.”
Geoff said he became interested in being a mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona through hearing about the shortage of male mentors and wanted to join a non-profit that resonated with him. The need for male mentors is still on-going with over 40 Littles in need of a male Big.
Being able to take a challenging situation and turn it into a situation where one can thrive, is just one way a Big can have an impact on a child’s life.
As Geoff continues to serve as a Big, he encourages others to do the same and get involved by taking part in a mentorship program.
“Understanding that regardless of where we are in life, how much we’ve accomplished or how little we’ve accomplished, we all have gifts to share with other people,” Geoff said.