Mavericks forward Grant Williams is a very patient man. So patient that after giving a speech to approximately 100 folks
following Friday’s 139-103 win over the Portland Trail Blazers, Williams spent 30 more minutes taking pictures and signing individual autographs with the entire group.
January is Mentorship Month, and a group from Big Brothers Big Sisters were able to hear a spiel from Williams about the advantages of being involved in a mentorship.
“I love anything in regard to mentorship,” Williams told Mavs.com. “It’s one of my biggest passions and it’s something that’s actually very vital, because it allows not only the youth in the next generation to know the struggles that we went through, but also to be inspired to persevere.”
Lilli Topper, the match support specialist for Big Brothers Big Sisters, said while her crew thoroughly enjoyed Friday’s game, meeting Williams was 
like icing on the cake.
“They got to sign up, and then they got some emails about it, but some of them were surprised that they got to meet a player, so that has to be cool,” Topper said. “I think it’s incredible and it’s definitely inspirational to the big (youths) and the little (youths) that are a part of our program.
“It just brings their dreams to life and their hopes, so it’s really cool that (Williams) got to do that for us.”
Maria Aguilar, the youth engagement manager for Big Brothers Big Sisters, said the opportunity for her group to rub shoulders with Williams put a nice little bow on Friday night.
“I think it was actually very special to meet Grant Williams, especially the little (kids), because not many kids get a chance to meet him, especially in our field,” Aguilar said. “So, I think it was just really important that they got to have this experience.
“I think the speech that Grant gave to the kids is something very memorable, because he gave the kids experience, and they can all connect with it.”
That connection with people with clout in the community, Aguilar said, is a crucial part of what Big Brothers Big Sisters attempts to achieve.
“Big Brothers Big Sisters is a mentorship program that pairs adults with children ages 6-14, and we try to prepare based on interest,” Aguilar said. “In 
our community-based program they go out two to four times a month.
“And they go to things like a Mavs game. They can go to the library and any school-related function –if anything that they’re both interested in and agree upon.”
Topper agreed that the mentorship program is something that moves the needle for the youths at Big Brothers Big Sisters.
“Our goal is that we help all youth achieve their full potential,” Topper said. “That’s kind of the idea behind the mentorship.
“So, we just pair our bigs and littles throughout the community and just give them opportunities to connect and build friendships.”
No doubt, the kids and youths at Big Brothers Big Sisters have built not only a connection, but also a friendship with Williams.
“That’s one of the most special things is that you’re able to give joy to others,” Williams said. “But also it brings joy to yourself.
“It shows what the work that you do is worth, but also the work that others do is beneficial, because they wouldn’t be here without their mentors. And the fortunate thing is they give them guidance and life advice that they might not be able to experience at home.”
X: @DwainPrice
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