Classes have begun, and College Possible AmeriCorps coaches around the United States are busy forming new relationships and learning about students’ academic goals. At College Possible Minnesota, we are lucky to welcome back ten returning coaches and we’re grateful they have chosen to dedicate another year to supporting students. These returning coaches are an invaluable resource for the 34 new coaches this year.
Meet Lindsey Hart. Lindsey is a Flagship coach working with students at Highland Park High School in Saint Paul, Minnesota. She helps the students she serves prepare for their ACT tests, finalize their top six colleges list, proofreads college applications, and so much more. Originally from southern Michigan, Lindsey attended Michigan State University and graduated with a degree in International Relations and a minor in Muslim Studies. This year, Lindsey is excited to continue building on the skills she developed last year. Here’s what she had to say about why she renewed her service with College Possible:
Why are you passionate about College Possible? Why is College Possible important?
College Possible is something I wish I had access to while I was in high school. I came from an environment where I was expected to attend college, but there wasn’t a lot of education around the process itself. Trying to navigate college and the financial aid system was challenging and confusing, and it caused a lot of anxiety for my parents and me. Both of my parents went to college, too, so I knew that if I struggled to navigate the system, then it was likely even more of a challenge for the students I serve, many of whom are first generation students. I wanted to be the resource that I needed while I was in high school and college, even if it was something as simple as talking to someone about what college life was like.
Why did you renew your AmeriCorps term of service as a College Possible coach?
I wanted to see the juniors I served last year through their senior year. I came into College Possible last year with a group of seniors who had a different coach the previous year, and I had to balance building a relationship with them while trying to help them apply to college. As a second-year coach, I have an established relationship with the junior students, who are now seniors. I wanted to see them through the completion of high school. The relationships with my co-workers are also a big part of my decision to come back. These relationships give me a sense of community that I really needed after moving away from home, and I wasn’t ready to leave that just yet.
What’s your favorite memory from last year?
I liked going to the Minnesota State Fair for the first time. I had never been to a state fair before, so it was exciting to experience that for the first time with my coworkers. I also enjoyed hanging out with my co-workers in the office on Fridays. After spending all week back in a high school, I looked forward to spending that time on Fridays with co-workers
Do you have any stories with students that you’d like to share?
I enjoyed celebrating the seniors I serve receiving acceptance letters to the schools they applied to. I loved sharing their joy, knowing how much work they had put into their applications. I also enjoyed talking with students about college life and finding out what made them excited about college. Their excitement and eagerness about the prospect of being a college student was contagious.
What’s the best thing you did this summer?
I went to two concerts this summer! I saw Noah Kahan in June and Hozier in August. I’ve been a fan of both artists since high school, so I was thrilled to finally see both in concert for the first time.
What do you like to do when you aren’t working?
I’m a huge book nerd. I love collecting and reading books, which I have discovered are two different hobbies. I recently bought a Nintendo Switch and have fallen in love with playing Animal Crossing. Doing puzzles and catching up on my favorite YouTube channels are also things I enjoy doing.
“Lindsey has been an amazing person to work with over the past year, and I am so grateful to have her on my team!” says Program Coordinator Sophia Jilk. “Last year she was balancing a caseload of almost 60 students, and yet always made a point to advocate for each student’s needs. She’s taught me a lot about what it means to create a community of support, and I am so excited that she is here for a second year of service to continue the work she has already done.”
Are you interested in helping talented, driven students from under-represented backgrounds achieve their goal of a college degree? Check out our open AmeriCorps positions!
