Edith Duran is serving her second year as an AmeriCorps member with College Possible Milwaukee, preparing high school juniors for college by assisting with admission essays, college and career alignments, ACT test prep and understanding financial aid. Not only does she help with college preparation, she offers advice and support as well.
A huge part includes pushing my students to their greatest potential and making it clear to them that college is within their reach,” she says.
Unsure where to begin her professional career after graduating from college, she was drawn to serving with College Possible Milwaukee. She knew College Possible could provide the professional development she was looking for, as well as prepare her with workshops and mentorship for a career after service. Not only would she build experience and form lasting connections with her peer coaches, she would also leave an unforgettable impact on the students she serves.
“I wish I’d had College Possible at my high school back when I was a junior,” Edith says. As an individual from a low-income background, she feels she can truly relate to the students she is working with. She enjoys sharing with them the benefits of joining College Possible because she believes the program opens many doors to college success. Student recruitment is one of her favorite parts of serving.
Whether preparing students for college or forming lasting relationships with peer coaches, she views serving as a coach as a rewarding, invaluable experience. “Being a College Possible coach is something I never imagined myself doing after graduating from college,” says Edith. “Today, I wouldn’t want to be at any other place in my professional life than where I am at right now. This is all thanks to a decision I made for myself and my students a year or so ago.”
College Possible Milwaukee in partnership with AmeriCorps is currently hiring coaches for the 2022–2023 school year to serve as peer mentors to students. Find more information or apply to join the team here.
