A few years ago, Rachel Schuneman and Yang Koua Lo knew they wanted to give back to their community by supporting a local child, but they weren’t sure what would work best. They are both doctors at CentraCare with busy schedules, and wanted to be sure they had enough time to be a part of a child’s life.
When Rachel heard a radio ad for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota, she knew that would be the perfect option. She was matched with Journi in April 2022, and after a year of watching Rachel and Journi having fun together baking, talking, and just hanging out, Yang decided to join in on the fun. Rachel and Yang became a Big Duo, and have been matched together with Journi for more than a year. Now, Rachel and Yang are the 2025 Central Minnesota Big Duo of the Year.
“Being a duo means being able to get involved with Journi,” Yang said. “Seeing Journi and Rachel get along and having met her, I was just enthralled with her personality. I get the joy of watching her grow into a young woman.”
Journi entered into Rachel and Yang’s life when she was nine years old. They immediately started working with Journi’s mom, Esther, to make sure that Journi was doing well in school, and giving her the support she needed when she was struggling. Esther said Yang and Rachel are always there to help with extra books, research, or support when Journi is having a hard time with a certain subject or situation in class.
Rachel and Yang have also helped Journi feel more confident by exposing her to new experiences and situations. The trio loves to fish. Journi wasn’t sure at first, but now they attend the Fishing with Muskies Inc. event every year, and Journi even won an award for most fish caught at the event. Yang showed her how to play pickleball, which she has come to enjoy, and they all love cooking together and going out to eat to try new foods. Rachel and Journi even had the opportunity to meet Marc Heu, a French-Hmong pastry chef in St. Paul.
Through these new experiences, Journi has learned to advocate for herself through positive communication. Esther said that having Rachel and Yang there to support her has given Journi a boost of confidence to help her see that she can do and be anything that she wants. They talk frequently with her about the future, and Journi currently dreams of going to school to become a cosmetologist.
“I’ve been through different things (with Rachel and Yang) and I think it makes you a better person than you already were,” Journi said. “They deserve (the Big Duo of the Year award) because they’re very nice people … and they treat (me) like they would treat their own kids.”