Aaricka Washington
AmeriCorps VISTA
Commission for Higher Education
Milestones
My road in life has taken me all over.
I applied to University of Southern California - my dream school. I also halfheartedly applied to most Indiana public schools. I really wanted to get out of Indiana, despite being a Scholar.
I got rejected from USC. I decided to major in Telecommunications at Indiana University in Bloomington.
Right after I talked to my general admissions adviser, I learned that IU had a journalism school. I decided to major in journalism at the former School of Journalism - now called the Media School.
I wrote over 60 articles for the Indiana Daily Student regarding higher education policy, culture and diversity issues. I even received a couple awards from my stories!
I traveled all over the country and the world as an IU student. To be specific: Memphis, New Orleans, Chicago, Newark, New York City, Beijing (China) and Rwanda!
I shot documentaries and photographs for the Books & Beyond Project - an IU organization that connects college students to Newark high school students to write stories for students in Rwanda, Africa!
During the first semester of my senior year of college, I got accepted into the Teach for America program in Houston, Texas! I taught in Houston for nearly 3 years. I loved my professional experience.
This year, I became an AmeriCorps VISTA at the Commission. In fall 2018, I will use all of my experiences, knowledge-base and skills as a graduate student in order to become an education reporter.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Ben Davis High School
Ben Davis High School
Career
AmeriCorps VISTA
I speak to counselors, students, parents and community partners about the 21st Century Scholars Program.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Education
Journalism
Communicating / Sharing Stories
Day to Day
I start my day by goal planning. I see what schools need help regarding the 21st Century Scholars Program. Every day is different for me. Sometimes, I am on the road all day helping Scholars with their Scholar Success Program activities. Sometimes, I am meeting with community partners about how to build connections with local schools. Other times, I could be working on creating sustainable programs to strengthen the 21st Century Scholars Program, like the Scholar 2 Scholar Mentorship Program.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for everyone
1. FIND. A. MENTOR. As a matter of fact, don't just find one mentor. Find plenty. Look out for people at your university or at jobs you are interested in (LinkedIn is seriously a friend when you are in need) and connect with them. Boost their ego. Get to know them. Let them know your aspirations. Schedule a coffee date with them. I can't tell you how many times I did this when I was looking for a job and looking for advice. ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS be willing to learn.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Parents:
"Maybe you should think about going to this college instead of this one. Maybe you should do this job instead of that job because it's not lucrative. What makes you think you're good enough? Maybe you are reaching too high? "
Challenges I Overcame
Financial
