As College Possible celebrates its 25th anniversary, we’re highlighting former coaches whose journeys reflect the heart of the mission. For Patrick Brunk, “making college possible” isn’t just a phrase; it’s a life-changing experience that continues to shape who he is today.
A Journey That Changed Everything
Patrick Brunk first connected with College Possible as an AmeriCorps member. What started as a service opportunity quickly became something far more meaningful.
After his time as a coach, Brunk continued with the organization as a program training specialist, deepening his commitment to helping students access higher education.
Reflecting on that time, he says it plainly: the experience “completely saved and changed my entire life.” The work, the mission, and the people around him helped reshape both his personal and professional path.
What “Making College Possible” Means
For Brunk, the meaning of College Possible reveals itself in everyday moments such as, “getting to work with amazing coaches and seeing their genuine joy and passion every day.”
Watching dedicated staff show up for students left a lasting impression. Their passion reinforced why the work matters and why the mission continues to resonate years later.
The Power of Someone Who Believes in You
Brunk’s story is also about the people who make College Possible so impactful. During his journey, mentors and colleagues supported him through significant personal and professional challenges.
Their belief in his potential helped him push past serious obstacles and experiences from earlier in his life. That encouragement gave him the confidence to grow, move forward, and imagine new possibilities for his future.
He says he will never forget the profound effect that time and those relationships had on his life journey.
25 Years Later and Still Committed to the Mission
Even now, Brunk remains deeply connected to the mission.
He still proudly wears his College Possible gear and calls himself a lifelong cheerleader for the college access and success nonprofit and the students it serves.
His story is a reminder that the impact of College Possible extends far beyond college acceptance letters—it transforms lives, builds confidence, and creates communities of people who continue lifting others up.
As we celebrate 25 years of College Possible, stories like Patrick Brunk’s remind us why this work matters—and why the next 25 years hold even more promise.
