Expanding Worlds, Together: Big Couple Jess and Andrew’s Mentorship Journey with Little Michael
June 4, 2025, Nohad Awada
When Jess and Andrew signed up to be mentors with Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities, they knew they wanted to give back. What they didn’t know was how much they would gain from becoming a Big Couple to a bright, witty, and curious 10-year-old named Michael.
Matched in December 2023, Jess and Andrew bring a lot of heart, creativity, compassion, and commitment to their mentorship. “We were inspired to become mentors because we both had people who poured into us,” Jess shared. “Now, it’s our turn to show up.”
A Match Built on Moments
In the early days of the match, Jess and Andrew recalled that Michael was shy. But it didn’t take long for him to warm up. “Now he’s pushing boundaries in all the right ways,” Andrew laughed. Together, they’ve explored the Twin Cities and beyond. Some of their favorite memories include venturing to Duluth, riding roller coasters at Nickelodeon Universe, and even visiting an aquarium for the first time.
“Every outing with Michael is about expanding his universe,” Jess said. “It’s not about big, fancy plans; it’s about showing him the world is open to him.” And while Michael is growing through these experiences, so are Jess and Andrew. “He reminds me what it’s like to be 10 in the best way,” Jess reflected. “It’s a reminder of how far I’ve come, and how much potential he has.”
For Jess and Andrew, becoming Bigs to Michael has been as much about self-discovery as it is about mentorship. What began as a commitment to support a young person has grown into a relationship that continues to shape all three of them.
A Partnership in Mentorship
Being a Big Couple gives Jess and Andrew the chance to support Michael and each other. They appreciate the flexibility of mentoring together: when one of them is traveling or having a tough week, the other can step in so plans with Michael don’t have to change.
Another advantage Jess and Andrew enjoy as a Big Couple is simple: having a partner in mentorship. Mentorship is a constant effort to show up, and having a partner you can discuss hangouts, moments, and memories with allows them to evaluate what went right and improve on what went wrong, as a team.
As an LGBTQ+ couple, Jess and Andrew bring empathy, lived experience, and a deep sense of awareness to their role as mentors. Their goal is helping Michael navigate a complex world with confidence and curiosity. In public, they’ve navigated curious stares and subtle tensions, but they’ve also embraced the opportunity to lead by example. “We don’t want Michael growing up thinking there are places meant for him and places that aren’t,” Jess shared. “We want him to have the confidence to go anywhere.”
Mentorship That Reflects Community
Michael’s mom was eager for him to have positive male role models. She also saw the value of being part of a diverse, affirming match. From their very first phone call, she knew Jess and Andrew were the right fit. “She got emotional when we spoke,” Jess remembered. “She told us, ‘I want Michael to see good men in his life.’”
The match has been a partnership in every sense; from staying in touch with Michael’s family, to supporting him through school, to simply showing up for each other week after week. “You don’t have to be perfect to be a mentor,” Andrew shared. “You just have to be consistent.”
Why They Mentor
Jess and Andrew both carry the lessons of their own mentors. For Jess, it was Kendra: a former editor who gave him his first real writing assignment. “She believed in me before I did,” Jess said. “Now I ask myself, ‘What would Kendra do?’”
For Andrew, it was the teachers he’s had over the years as he trained to become a professional musician. “They taught me so much more than just how to play the piano. Their commitment to my development as a complete artist and how I navigate the world was really impactful.”
Now, Jess and Andrew are planting seeds of possibility in Michael’s life. “We’re not here to change someone overnight,” Andrew said. “We’re here to invest in his future.”
Taking The Leap
“Being a Big Couple adds so much richness to our lives,” Jess said. “It’s perfect for people who aren’t ready for kids but want to make a difference.”
And their advice to anyone thinking about becoming a mentor? “Jump in,” said Andrew. “You don’t have to have all the answers. Just be there.”
Ready to expand the universe of Twin Cities youth?
