MEET A MINDS MATTER TEAM LEADER
February 28th, 2018Katherine is a Minds Matter alumna and Senior team leader.
Q: How many years have you been with Minds Matter?
Katherine: Ten years, including my time as a mentee and volunteer.
Q: Describe your relationship(s) with the student(s) you work with.
Katherine: I have gotten so close to each mentee on my team. Being able to see them grow into young adults is one of the most rewarding parts of my role. Each of my mentees are completely different from each other, but amazing in their own way. I have had genuine conversations with each one of them about their progress, life, and their goals that have allowed us to built a circle of trust and friendship. I truly believe that our relationship will be life-long.
Q: Any favorite Minds Matter memories?
Katherine: Where do I start! I have so many great memories but nothing beats seeing the look on my mentees faces when they get accepted into college.
Q: How have you benefited personally from your experience at Minds Matter?
Katherine: As a mentee, I appreciated Minds Matter and loved coming to sessions but I didn’t understand the full value until later. We were all accepted into a 4-year college and for some of us, we were the first in our families to do that. We came from families who immigrated from all over the world. And sometimes they did not understand what the college process entailed. Minds Matter stepped in and gave us that extra support and guidance to understand the system and put our best foot forward. We also gained a family- mentors, team leaders, writing advisors, directors, and each other. That is for life. I still keep in touch with my beloved mentors even though they are all over the world. I know I can always reach out to anyone from the program if I ever need guidance.
Q: What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering with Minds Matter?
Katherine: Do it! You are spending two hours of your weekend with phenomenal people, who you will learn so much from. I always look forward to spending my Saturdays with my team. Being a part of a bigger team with individuals who are working to guide your mentee creates a supportive environment. Knowing that you are helping them break out of the cycle of poverty and create a better life for themselves and their families is a reward feeling. That is why I have volunteered with Minds Matter for the last three years. I want the future generations to have that same chance and be more than a statistic.
Q: What is a fun fact about yourself?
Katherine: I’ve been to 24 countries and by the end of February it will be 27. I want the number of countries I’ve been to be higher than my age.
Meet a Minds Matter Student
May 16th, 2017Courtney is the 2018 Minds Matter Achievement Scholar and a member of Syracuse University’s Class of 2021.
Q: What have you learned from your time with Minds Matter?
Courtney: I have learned how to grow better decision-making skills, especially during big transitional times in my life, such as college. Also, Minds Matter has truly taught me that I am never really alone, and I can always rely on the people around me.
Q: What has been your favorite Minds Matter moment?
Courtney: My favorite Minds Matter moment has to be graduation. It was bittersweet, but it was so nice to see that all of my peers who had gone through this journey with me were taking another step forward in their lives as well. It was great to celebrate all of our successes together and truly support one another.
Q: If you could give any piece of advice to a sophomore starting at Minds Matter, what would it be?
Courtney: My biggest piece of advice to a sophomore at Minds Matter is to take a chance on every opportunity that is presented to you. You never know the amazing things that you could learn or the great people you could meet. It will also allow you to discover much more about yourself than you would have originally thought.
Q: Where are you going to college and what are you hoping to study?
Courtney: I’m attending Syracuse University in the Whitman Leadership Scholars program and intend to study Marketing.
Q: What are you most looking forward to in college?
Courtney: I’m most looking forward to gaining a sense of independence in college, where I’m finally fully in control of my schedule and am able to be challenged with making decisions.
Support students like Courtney. Donate today!
Volunteer Spotlight: Melissa Sepe-Johnston
April 17th, 2017Meet Melissa, a long-time volunteer who has helped shape the Minds Matter experience for countless students over the course of eight years.
Name: Melissa Sepe-Johnston
Profession: User experience consultant (I help companies make their websites and software more intuitive)
Current Role: Co-Director of College Advising
Previous role: Mentor and W&CT Adviser
Years in Minds Matter: 8
Question: What are your relationships like with the students you work with?
Melissa: Each year, my teammates and I work with 15-20 seniors apiece. We basically function like guidance counselors. I try to quickly learn about each student’s background and goals so that I can suggest schools that may be a good fit. As the year goes on, I help students understand the admissions process, navigate financial aid options, and make their final college decisions.
Q: What is your favorite part of Minds Matter?
Melissa: I live for graduation. It’s always sad to say goodbye to our amazing seniors, but it’s so much fun to celebrate their accomplishments, meet their families, and send them off to their new adventures in college.
Q: What is your favorite Minds Matter memory?
Melissa: Watching my mentee, Addia, graduate in 2012.
Q: How have you benefited personally from your experience at Minds Matter?
Melissa: I was 24, new to NYC, and just starting my career when I joined as a sophomore mentor, so I’ve literally grown up during my time with Minds Matter. Committing to session every Saturday definitely taught me a lot about discipline and accountability! Over the years I’ve also gone through something like four apartments, five jobs, and gotten married, but Minds Matter has been a constant presence in my life.
Q: What is a fun fact about you?
Melissa: I sing in a choir that only covers pop songs.
Melissa is one of many incredible volunteers who has not only impacted generations of Minds Matter students, but has shaped the culture of our organization through her dedication and passion for our work. Learn more about our amazing volunteers here.
Meet our Minds Matter Student Ambassadors
February 7th, 2017Playing a crucial role in student recruitment, Minds Matter Student Ambassadors help usher in the next generation of Minds Matter students! By attending monthly leadership meetings, Student Ambassadors are trained in how to support prospective students through the application process and prepare for the interview, thus catalyzing a connection between their school communities and Minds Matter.
Student Ambassadors represent a crucial youth-leadership voice in program feedback and evaluation and work with both volunteers and staff to help shape and create the MM program. Student Ambassadors have also spoken at and attended the Brilliant Minds Benefit, held independent information sessions for students at their schools and welcomed potential students and their families at interview day. We could not do our work without them and we are proud of their leadership!
Meet a Minds Matter Student
February 6th, 2017Leslie is a hard-working and enthusiastic junior. She talks with us about her passions, overcoming hardships, and her drive to succeed.
Q: What is your favorite part about Minds Matter?
Leslie: In Minds Matter I am constantly reminded of my capability. The community that has been built for us is a lovely blessing. Volunteers come to work with us and challenge us in order to go beyond our limits. They believe that we are capable of much more than we ourselves think. They are always there for us when we need them. They motivate us to work hard in school and support us in order to be college ready and pursue our dreams. They push us to try new things and hand us the resources we need in order to succeed in our journey.
Q: What is the hardest thing you’ve had to overcome?
Leslie: The hardest thing I’ve had to overcome is the loss of my mother in her battle with cancer. It happened so quickly that until this day it seems unreal. My mom is my motivation, role model and my strength to move forward and take myself and my dad out of the darkness we live in. When I look into my father’s eyes, all I see is hope and sacrifice. Hope that one day we will achieve the American Dream. Sacrifice because he works every day for long hours to pay the bills that lead to stress and frustration. He inspires me to strive in my education and standout. Both of my parents have built the person that I am today.
Q: What is your favorite subject in school?
Leslie: In school I have gravitated towards the power of math and I have developed a passion for art. This has inspired me to become an architect. I am fascinated by the work that can be done by combining math and art. Opportunities offered to low income students like myself at Minds Matter will benefit me in pursuing a career in architecture.
Q: What is an interesting fact about you?
Leslie: An interesting fact about me is that I have a passion for dancing, especially Salsa.
Support students like Leslie. Donate today!
Minds Matter College Tours
November 29th, 2016“The college trip was really helpful in terms of exploring different campus environments. It was a taste of what college life might actually look like and it makes students think of where they might belong.”– Brandon, Class of 2018
Meet a Minds Matter Student
November 29th, 2016Brandon is a dedicated, optimistic and creative senior who is excited about his future.
Q: What does college mean to you?
Brandon: College is the place where you find and mold yourself as an individual. This is the place where you can seek knowledge and make vast key connections. College is the place where you transition from childhood to adulthood.
Q: What is the hardest thing you’ve had to overcome?
Brandon: My greatest obstacle occurred at the age of 1, where my mother was impacted by 9/11. Growing up with a disabled mother has been difficult to overcome; I was forced to balance taking care of my mother, participating in sports, and excelling in school. At times I had to work to put the little food we had on the table. I still managed to do well in school, sports and more importantly keeping my mom healthy.
Q: What is the most interesting thing about you?
Brandon: Most of the kids who go through tough situations like I have use it as an excuse to walk towards the wrong path. My situation actually gives me purpose to be successful, in order to help my mother in the best way and give aid to families that go through similar situations. I use my background as an excuse to make a difference.
Q: What has been your favorite Minds Matter moment?
Brandon: My favorite Minds Matter moment would have to be the ALDA summer program. To be a part of the beautiful NYU campus, making connections, and getting closer with the staff and students was an awesome experience. The summer program molded my goals into perspective and I realized what I wanted to do with my life.
Support students like Brandon. Donate today!