In my eyes, one of the most important goals of an aspiring leader is creating an environment that is not only inclusive, but also equitable for all people. Throughout my Junior and Senior years I've found I've participated in a school-based group that has helped me to do that for my community. I’ve risen through the ranks of our school's College Peer Mentor (CPM) Program where we work with students of all ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds to help them pursue their dreams of college and beyond. Through CPM, I have seen the desired futures of these students through their personal lenses and helped them to get closer to their ultimate goals of secondary education and reaching better institutions than they ever dreamed of. This opportunity has also taught me about the importance of creating a pathway toward equity in educational opportunities and socioeconomic mobility. 

As one of the members of the CPM Executive Cabinet, I've worked tirelessly to make sure information reaches my peers as I organize events, workshops, and presentations that are accessible to everyone, even if they aren't applying to schools yet. Every day I've strived to use my public speaking and video production skills to produce commercials and features for our daily news show and CPM YouTube Channel. I also work one-on-one with my more than 20 senior mentees with each step of the financial aid and college application process. If trade school or military enrollment is what they desire, I work with them on those aspirations, as well. College Peer Mentors has taught me the invaluable lesson of championing for equal access to education and training for all students. 

Recently, I've been working with our advisor to apply for grants for upcoming years. I've written four separate grant proposals and have applied for $8,000 worth of grant money. I work tirelessly to ensure the future of this program by trying to revamp the class setting, production costs, and creating plans to expand activities like field trips to colleges and bettering our college week. The entire process has taught me how to apply for and write grants that will help me throughout my college years when I take on reaserch projects and need funding for my studies.