
Aaricka Washington
AmeriCorps VISTA
Commission for Higher Education
Commission for Higher Education
AmeriCorps VISTA
I speak to counselors, students, parents and community partners about the 21st Century Scholars Program.
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.
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.
"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? "