Love Through My Eyes

By Jordan Che

Meet the Pair

MENTEE JORDAN CHE & MENTOR MARIA WHELAN

Jordan’s Anecdote: These past three years with Maria have proved that she is more than just a mentor—she’s a friend like no other, who has supported me with every decision I’ve made. From picking what restaurant has the best mac and cheese to ironically giving in when I choose not to write during a pair session, Maria knows me probably better than I know myself. She orchestrated meet-ups during the summer, she nearly brought me to her high school reunion, and even after I graduate, I know she’ll continue to stay by my side no matter what.

Maria’s Anecdote: For Jordan and I, it started out small. We’d have bubble tea while writing at Queens Crossing mall. The more I got to know her, I knew my mentee was a winner, so our sessions evolved into dinner. Over mac and cheese or omurice, we’d chat about mutually loved TV shows, dogs, and life; somehow we’d even write. Jordan’s imagination is extraordinary and writing strong, yet it didn’t take me three years to figure her brilliance out. It was clear all along! Skillfully, she depicts everything from burger rivals to the lives of doomed toys. Topics that I most enjoy!