Prompt: What did you learn about the problem, about the community, about yourself? How will the work you did in CODES relate to your remaining time at SIUE, to the career you are planning for yourself, and to the person you want to be?
From my experience as a mentor at the Boys and Girls Club of Alton, I learned a lot about the challenges faced by different mentees. Mentoring highlighted our differences while also showing how much we share in common. As a CODES Scholar at SIUE, I’ve gained resilience, even when circumstances are tough. Being part of CODES has allowed me to engage with the community by helping others and mentoring students. I believe that my involvement with CODES will deepen my understanding of diverse backgrounds and perspectives, especially when things don’t go as planned. This experience will ultimately strengthen me as I navigate challenges in life. My PR major has also given me insight into the importance of CODES and its potential to positively impact many lives. It’s crucial that this program receives the recognition and platform it deserves to become one of SIUE’s top scholarships. I see a vision for CODES that isn’t fully realized yet, and I’m excited to help bring it to life. This process isn’t the start of my creativity, but it has prepared me to think outside the box when it matters. I believe these skills will be valuable as I build my own business, reinforcing the idea that resilience is key, even in the face of obstacles. Overall, CODES will enhance my character, resilience, and determination to help others, allowing me to create a vision that others may not see. One step at a time, I aim to make a meaningful difference.