NOTABLE NEIGHBOR : Brother’s keeper
Posted on Sunday, May 4, 2008
FAYETTEVILLE — David Erstine understands that part of being the state’s Big Brother of the Year means looking ahead to a day his little brother gets his kicks elsewhere.
The 29-year-old was matched with Dakota Travis, 14, in 2005, and this year Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Arkansas named Erstine its Big Brother of the Year for 2008, an honor that led to his nomination in the state competition, which he won.
Erstine is also chairman of the agency’s fundraising committee, attends group activities, and advises other Big Brothers.
In his endorsement statement, Dakota called his Big Brother “sharing, smart, and hilarious,” and notes that they have gone to Locomotion, a family fun center in Fayetteville, four times.
The trajectory of their childhoods are remarkably similar. Both are oldest siblings in families headed by single mothers. Dakota’s mother is dating, and Erstine points out that his mother remarried when he was about Dakota’s age.
In some matches, tutoring or a special interest dominates the relationship, Erstine says, but he doesn’t hesitate to pick up his little brother after school just to run errands and reward him with a hamburger.
“Just something to break the routine, and for us, it’s more hanging out, talking about life... school,” he says.
Caitlin Robinson, Dakota’s mother, says such outings are more than a diversion.
“In today’s society, young boys that grow up in a singleparent household don’t have much of a chance as far as staying out of trouble, and also just being able to do ‘guy’ stuff,” she wrote in a statement for the state competition. “David has given Dakota this opportunity.” Travis begins high school next year and extracurricular activities and social demands will likely fill his days. “He’s moving into a transition — girls, friends, that’s on the horizon — and he’ll not want to see me as much,” Erstine says. Dakota can’t imagine that anything will come between him and David. “The thing is, yes, girls are going to be in the picture soon, but I will always hang out with him. There’s still some stuff we want to do this summer, [such as ] floating on the Buffalo River,” he says. “He won’t leave me. He’s going to be with me much longer in my life.” Notable Neighbor highlights the unusual accomplishments and contributions Northwest Arkansas residents make to the area. Suggestions can be e-mailed to cking@arkansasonline. com
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