Growing up without a father figure in his life, 20-year-old Guy Harry knew what path he wanted to follow
"I know how it feels to grow up without that supportive father figure," Harry said. "When I found out about this opportunity, I knew I had to do it. My brother did it when he was in college and that was another push for me to do it."
Harry reached out to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Acadiana. He went through the application process and was matched with Cartel.
Cartel is 12-years-old and has a similar back story to Harry.
"He has changed me," Cartel said. "I used to be very negative and now I'm very positive."
The youngest in his family, Harry said he is now the Big Brother he has always wanted to be. He hopes that his presence in Cartel's life remains a positive one.
"You never know what impact you can have on another individual," Harry said. "If you know that you're able to help them out, why not? I know that I've been doing all of these great things on campus and I know that I have what it takes to be a mentor so why not help out someone who needs that in his life?"
Cartel's mom, Ashley, said she could not be happier with Harry and his willingness to be in her child's life.
"I love him!! I am thankful they were matched," Ashley said. "Even with the pandemic, Guy has been a constant figure in Cartel's life whether it's through call, text, Tik Tok, etc.
Ashley said enrolling her son in the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Acadiana was one of the best decisions she has made.
For more information on Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Acadiana you can go to https://www.acadianabigs.com/.