“Our relationship as brothers goes beyond our titles of Big and Little”

Carlas Quinney Jr., known to all as CJ, saw a commercial on TV for Big Brothers Big Sisters Michigan Capital Region, that featured a young boy named Shaquille. CJ was ready to sign up to volunteer to be a mentor right then. He had been thinking of volunteering as a way to “give back” – his parents had always been there for him and he knew how fortunate he was to have received so much support and love. And seeing a Little Brother named Shaquille, his all-time favorite basketball player, cemented his decision.

CJ was matched with 8-year-old Marton, whose middle name is also Shaquille. This match, now in its sixth year, was clearly meant to be!

CJ, who is graduating from Michigan State University this month, has given Marton so much more than the “male perspective” that Marton’s mom knew was missing with no father in her son’s life. When the relationship began, Marton, a quiet, reserved child, was having behavior problems and not doing well in school. He just couldn’t focus. His teachers thought he needed to be in special classes. As CJ and Marton began to spend time together, at first going to the movies, playing sports, taking trips to the zoo, outings for pizza, and visiting Quinney’s family, they formed a special bond. CJ spent time at the library studying for his college coursework, so he brought Marton along to do homework too.

And it paid off!

Marton soon began coming home with A’s and B’s on his report card. “We worked for years on improving his skills in the classroom and his ability to stay on task. That came to a climax this year when he received a 3.5 grade point average,” said CJ. “The look on Marton’s face as he handed me his report card – and the joy that we both felt in accomplishing such a goal – was phenomenal!”

Mother Knows Best

Marton’s mom, Tonya Benson, knows what having CJ in her son’s life has meant. “Marton, the eldest of three boys, now sees the importance of education and realizes the discipline and hard work it takes to achieve success.” She continued, “He is only thirteen years old but already expresses a desire and looks forward to following in CJ’s footsteps and becoming a Big Brother as well one day.”

Big Brother, Big Return

Being a Big Brother has had a tremendous impact on CJ’s life, as well. When he entered college, he was unsure of what career path to pursue. After watching Marton thrive with his guidance and encouragement, he knew that assisting youth was his calling. He majored in Family Community Services and will start a master’s program in the fall.

CJ knows their relationship has helped Marton achieve so much, but is quick to say that it has also been the most rewarding experience in his life. He has never found visiting with his Little a burden, in spite of a full schedule of school, a job, family, and friends. To him, Marton is family, “our relationship as brothers goes beyond our title of Big and Little. It would be hard to fathom my life without Marton. He is my brother.”

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