At Green Halo Scholars, mentorship is at the heart of everything we do, bridging the gap between dreams and reality for first-generation and low-income students. This month, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on Jen, an incredible mentor who has been making a difference for three amazing years.
As a licensed Professional School Counselor, Jen was inspired to become a mentor after experiencing the complexities of the college application process firsthand with her own children. Even with her professional background, she saw how challenging this journey could be, especially for families unfamiliar with the process. When a colleague introduced her to Sara at Green Halo, Jen immediately felt connected to the organization’s mission and knew she had found the perfect place to use her expertise.
Jen believes that building genuine relationships is essential when mentoring. She prefers meeting her scholars face-to-face, taking the time to understand their individual interests, dreams, and goals. By acknowledging their struggles and breaking down the college application process into manageable steps, she creates an atmosphere of trust and encouragement. Jen emphasizes the importance of simply being there for her scholars, providing reassurance and steady support every step of the way.
First-generation and low-income students face unique challenges, such as uncertainty about college affordability and a lack of accessible information about the admissions process. Jen works to clear up misconceptions-especially regarding financial aid opportunities-ensuring families understand that a college education is within their reach. By guiding students and families toward trusted resources, she helps ease anxiety and build confidence.
One of Jen’s most memorable experiences involved guiding a motivated yet overwhelmed scholar through applications to selective, high-cost institutions. After connecting the scholar with an alum from their high school, the dream school that once seemed out of reach suddenly felt more attainable. “Not only did my scholar get accepted,” Jen recalls, “but they received an incredibly generous package. It made all the really hard work worth it, and I’m so thankful that the institution decided to invest in this amazing young person- they won’t regret it. I can’t wait to hear from my scholar next year once they are on campus!”
Thank you, Jen, for your warmth, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our Green Halo Scholars. Your insight, compassion, and expertise make an incredible difference in helping students reach their fullest potential.
