From: Spring 2017 Humans of Asheville Series
By: Jennifer Mesk
“My name is Dorian. I started out as a Little 11 years ago. I was 10 years old. I came from a single parent home. I needed a male role model in my life and along came Nathan. He became my very, very best friend. I instantly liked him. We did everything from walking in the woods, carving sticks to him buying me my first drink when I turned 21. We hang out a few times a week. He lost his wife a year ago. I was also very close to her as well. I’d tell her it was a package deal. I said: If you’re going to marry him, you’re going to have to deal with me. She was very supportive of that. After she passed away we got even closer.
If it weren’t for Nathan I don’t know where I’d be. I wouldn’t be here, that’s for sure. Not here in the sense of the word, present, but not here in this organization. I wouldn’t be here mentally. I wouldn’t be involved in Non-Profits. I wouldn’t be involved with half of the other stuff I do. I serve on the Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters as well as the United Way in Burke County. I’m also certified by the United Methodist Church to preach in any church internationally. I wouldn’t be half the man I am today if it weren’t for Nathan.
One of the best outings we had, at the time I hated it, absolutely hated it but he took me to a bluegrass festival. For an 11 year old it was terrible. But when I think back on it it was me diversifying, trying to understand another way of life. It was really broadening my scope of life, living.
What I bring to my position here at Big Brothers Big Sisters is that I have the insight to 4 different aspects of the program, the Little aspect, the advisory council, regional board and the executive board. I serve in all 4 different capacities. I’m still trying to figure my life out so being a Big Brother isn’t something I’m looking at right now. I like contributing to the governing aspect of the organization.
I’d like to see better fund raising, more marketing, a larger bank account and most important, a community outreach. More people getting involved. That’s something that’s very important to me, community.”
