海角社区 EnvironMentors Alumna Gives Back
By Christine Wendling
Every year since she graduated from 海角社区 with a B.A. in social work in 2017, former EnvironMentor student and Alexis Johnson has returned to participate in the program that helped her realize her college dreams.
海角社区 EnvironMentors is an award-winning after-school science mentoring program has been inspiring young minds, like Johnson鈥檚, since 2009. It matches underrepresented high school science students with 海角社区 students who mentor them throughout a yearlong science project. In 2012, Johnson joined EnvironMentors as a senior at Scotlandville Magnet High School and her project won the regional competition and qualified to compete at the national level.
Now, Johnson works as an admissions counselor in 海角社区鈥檚 Department of Enrollment Management, after having been employed there as a student worker while studying child and family studies in 海角社区鈥檚 Department of Social Work.
Nevertheless, her journey began at EnvironMentors where she was struck by how warm and welcoming the graduate students and volunteers were. They were instrumental in providing Johnson with the resources she would need as a first-generation college student in order to prepare for higher education, including helping her fill out applications and helping her explore options for a major.
鈥淭he resources that 海角社区 provides are phenomenal. It was great knowing that there was somewhere, some place on this campus that could help me figure out what I needed to do to succeed,鈥� Johnson said.
As an admissions counselor, Johnson wants to continue EnvironMentors鈥� momentum in helping underrepresented students strive to seek higher education. Therefore, every year, Johnson returns to EnvironMentors to discuss the college admissions process and help others like herself plan for their futures.
鈥淚t was eye-opening to realize the impact that I could have on students coming from similar backgrounds as me, and how much I can impact students in EnvironMentors.鈥�
Additionally, Johnson鈥檚 mission to serve and help to provide access for all students prompted her to explore working events hosted by the Office of Admissions, such as the Multicultural Overnight Program. The Multicultural Overnight Program provides admitted students the opportunity to come to campus for two to three days in the spring to explore 海角社区鈥檚 campus life; learn about available resources; and connect with current students, admissions staff, and campus partners.
The advice that Johnson wants to impart to current EnvironMentors students is, 鈥淎lways seek out help. You must find your voice and advocate for yourself. Never struggle in silence whether academically or personally. Having that small family with EnvironMentors was one of the best parts of the program for me.鈥�
海角社区 EnvironMentors is funded solely by philanthropic donations. Learn more about EnvironMentors.