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Women's History Month
This article is about:
Vanessa Ross has spent more than two decades helping at-risk youth across the state prepare for, get admitted to, and graduate from college.Vanessa Ross, a gas sales representative based outside of Charlotte, North Carolina, has spent more than two decades helping at-risk youth across the state prepare for, get admitted to, and graduate from college. With word of her volunteerism spread solely by word-of-mouth, Ross is now highly sought out by high school seniors in her community because of the great success her mentees have experienced over the years. In addition to the hours of free time she dedicates to these youth, she always prepares them for their next step in life with a tangible gift: a brand-new set of luggage. Read what Ross describes in greater detail what she calls her God-given purpose.
Q: How did you get your start mentoring youth?
A: 22 years ago, my niece asked me to help her with college applications and scholarships. I had no idea where to start, but I wanted her to have the opportunity to pursue her education. So, I started researching and working with financial aid departments at various institutions. Over the years, I have learned so much about the admissions process, financial aid, and scholarships and that’s been paramount to the preparation process for my students.
One success story that really stuck with me was when I worked with a young lady who was in foster care as a baby, but eventually was raised by her grandmother. This young lady knew that she wanted to change the direction of her life, but had no idea where to start. It was a bumpy road getting her prepared and ready for college, but she adapted very well and has become a confident, stellar student! She graduated Magna Cum Laude in Accounting. She now lives in San Antonio, Texas and continues to grow and evolve.
Q: What are some of the steps you take to get them college-ready, from a financial standpoint and overall?
A: After selecting students to work with for the academic year, we start working on college applications and make sure that every question on the application is answered in detail, ensuring they are personalized and memorable. Next, we work on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid for Students and then apply for every scholarship possible!
Q: What is your relationship like with these students as they go through their college experience?
A: At the start of our relationship, they make a commitment to allow me to check their grades throughout and at the end of each semester. Sometimes it’s not pretty, but, at this point, we’ve developed a very close bond and can work through any issues that they may be experiencing. I actually follow them through their 4 years as not only a mentor but also as a cheerleader. I want them to WIN!! My motto is… if you know better, you do better.
Q: Over the last 20+ years, you’ve helped nearly 150 teens work to obtain a college education. What does that feel like?
A: It’s an amazing feeling! I love each and every single student that I have worked with over the years. I am amazed at their personal progression and growth from the onset of our collaboration to graduation (which I would never, EVER miss). They became educated, grown adults who have changed the trajectory of their lives! I could not be more proud of them!
Q: Why do you feel your purpose is to lift up diverse, promising students in our communities?
A: Oprah Winfrey once said that there are some things in life you don’t do for money, and that is so true for me. I devote a huge amount of time to these young adults, at no charge. I see potential in each of them to change the world; I just have to help them see what I see. One thing I am certain of is that God put me on earth to work with these students and to help prepare them for a higher education. I work with so many intelligent, articulate, innovative youngsters each year that just need someone to believe that they can do it! They need to feel that no matter what happens, someone has got their back. They soon realize that you don’t become what you want, you become what you believe.
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