Samantha Leyva

4. Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or

worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.

In my school, an elite group of seniors are selected to be college peer counselors. Being a

peer requires me to serve students and faculty members with any inquiries or tasks. The process

was elaborate; I had to take the Personal Development 20 college class as a prerequisite and

introduction to the college process. Next I completed the application- which included

recommendations- and interviewed for the position. Being a peer isn't so easy, but I enjoy every

minute of it.

As a Peer, I provide assistance with financial aid and college applications. I also have

meetings with a handful of seniors and explain to them senior caseloads, which consist of going

over their transcripts with them, and clear any concerns they may have about their classes or

questions about their college pathway. I also work during my free time (nutrition/lunch/after

school), the College Center is always packed with students who need assistance with the SAT or

ACT, their AP classes, or have questions about any upcoming events that the College Center is

hosting. As a Peer, we are seen as role models of the school.

One of our tasks is to adopt a class, particularly underclassmen. My sessions with the

class consists of lessons on college, A-G requirements, emphasising the importance of

extracurricular activities, and giving them a head start by creating a CSU Mentor account. The

point of this task is to teach our fellow underclassmen about the opportunities that they have.

Were there because we want them to graduate from high school, they're capable of doing it, and

some of them may need more in school, but thats ok. Its a great way to interact with

underclassmen, and have a lesson where its student-to-student because its nice to know that

people are there to help, especially if that person is a student.

 Samantha Leyva

The reason why I joined Peer is because I wanted to make an impact in my fellow peers, I

want to lead students to their future success, and help them get to their next milestone, which is

college, trade school,etc. Im there to offer information/ advice and support. The job doesnt get

better than that.

The reason why I wanted to become a peer was because I wanted to have an advantage

and expose myself as to how college will be, and take on responsibility for not only myself but

my friends as well because I have a few who are afraid to sign up for college, and others who

don't know how to. I took on this educational opportunity because I wanted to help out while

also being posted of opportunities on my campus, and about colleges.