In July 2023, a mentor and her mentee embarked on a transformative journey through the Alliance for Success (AFS) program. Over the next year and a half, the mentor, drawing from her experience as a teacher and a mother, guided Miranda through the challenges of high school, offering support and advice on everything from academics to internships. Despite facing obstacles, including uncertainty about her future, Miranda’s hard work and the unwavering support of the AFS program opened doors for her, leading to an acceptance letter from Monmouth University as well as grants and scholarships. This story highlights not only Miranda’s perseverance but also the profound impact that mentorship and community support can have on a student’s life. Through this experience, both mentor and mentee gained invaluable insights into the power of guidance, empathy, and determination. Below, Jane’s talks more about how the two women helped each other expand their horizons.

“I began as a mentor in the Alliance for Success program in July 2023. At my very first meeting, I was introduced to Miranda, who would be my mentee for all of her junior and senior years of high school. Miranda is a wonderful young woman whom I’ve gotten to know very well over the past year and a half, and I can confidently say that she and I have both impacted each other’s lives in so many positive ways. Miranda most definitely took advantage of my experience both as a teacher and as a mother of two children who have successfully navigated the college experience. We met almost weekly throughout her junior year, and our conversations always had productive outcomes.; whether we were aiming to improve school grades, access school activities, navigate challenges with work situations, or even secure a wonderful internship for the summer after her junior year, we were so productive! My ability to follow up with her sometimes on a daily basis was an invaluable tool for both of us. I know that my support of her made a big difference at so many different steps in her junior and senior years and I say that because I not only saw my impact, but she so very often expressed her gratitude directly.

As we approached the college process, there was quite a bit of uncertainty as to which path Miranda might take. She faced some real obstacles as she is a big support to her family and we were unsure as to whether or not a four-year college would even be an option. As of this moment, Miranda has an unbelievable offer at Monmouth University to not only attend, but to live on campus and her hard work academically has resulted in grants and scholarships that would allow her to do this at an incredibly small and very manageable expense. I know our work together and all the support that AFS and Renee have provided her have made this possible. There is no doubt in my mind that without AFS this story would have a very different ending.

Additionally, Miranda has had a tremendously positive impact on my life. She has opened my eyes to the challenging experiences that so many high school students go through. The need for support outside of a structured high school setting is so apparent and when that support can come from community members who truly want to serve, I think it is so well received by students and their families. I can so clearly see the need for such a program and I am so thankful that it exists. Renee, who serves as the head of AFS, is an unbelievable resource who goes above and beyond on a daily basis, not only for the students, but for the mentors. She is a wealth of information and an endless amount of support at every turn. Without such an incredible person, this program would fall short. I wholeheartedly support the work that is being done through AFS and I so hope it continues.”