Last month, we bid farewell to many of our dedicated AmeriCorps service members who served during the 2023—2024 academic year. However, for nine of these remarkable coaches, their journey with College Possible is far from over. These coaches have chosen to extend their commitment, dedicating another year to serving and supporting students. Their efforts over the past year have been nothing short of extraordinary, and their continued dedication is a testament to their passion for making a difference in the lives of Omaha’s students.
Among those returning is Dorothy, a college access coach with College Possible Omaha, who will be embarking on her third year of AmeriCorps service. Reflecting on her experience, Dorothy shares, “In my second year of service, I spent more time improving my lessons to make them more engaging, and individualized my approach to serving students to support their persistence. As a second-year coach and elected representative, I have gained valuable experience balancing the service of students and leadership within our coach cohort.”
When asked why she decided to return for a third term, Dorothy explained, “I am returning for a third year to have three years of experience working in education under my belt. I hope to continue to practice all that I have learned and improve within my role as a coach.”
Dorothy’s sentiments are echoed by other returning coaches, who are eager to further hone their skills and continue supporting students on their academic journeys. The shared commitment among these coaches highlights the profound impact they have had and continue to have on the lives of the students they serve.
Coaches reflect on favorite memories
Cady fondly recalls her experiences, saying, “I really enjoyed all the people that I met this year. I loved watching students grow and make progress toward their goals, and I had a blast connecting with other coaches.”
For Dorothy, witnessing students achieve milestones and reach their goals stands out as her most cherished memories.
Bre, whose student cohort received significant scholarships, shares, “One of my favorite memories would have to be when the results of the Buffett, Dell, and Goodrich scholarships came out. I had so many students receive these scholarships and many of them reached out and thanked me for helping them throughout the process. It meant a lot to me that I had made such an impact on these students and to hear just how grateful they were. It really made me feel like I was worthy of my role and that I succeeded in making a difference in my community.”
Mackenzie, reflecting on a memorable moment, says, “One of my favorite memories is attending North High School’s graduation. I was able to see all the College Possible seniors in attendance celebrate with their peers and families, and I got to take pictures with a few students.”
Katie adds, “Watching the seniors in my cohort decide where they are attending school in the fall has been a highlight of my year.”
Looking to the future
While many coaches are returning for another year of service, those moving on are set to achieve great things. Mackenzie will be attending law school this fall, and others are continuing their careers in education and service.
Whether they are returning for another year of service or moving on to new adventures, we are excited to see what this year’s cohort of coaches will achieve in the future. We look forward to seeing the lasting impact they will continue to make in their communities.
