Our Chapters: Duke
Co-Chapter Director Name: Emily Eshman
Grad Year: 2012
Major: Public Policy Studies
Future Aspirations: Still working on those, but as of now I want to find a career doing what I love in a place with great weather
Why you are in Strive: I was lucky enough to have a support system and resources to successfully apply and enroll in the college of my choice, I definitely took this for granted and did not realize that this is not an opportunity that every American kid has. I am a firm believer in the importance of education leading advancing opportunity and success. I want to give other kids the same opportunity that I was fortunate enough to have.
What your favorite thing about Strive is: I love that it connects me to the Durham community while at the same time is part of a greater national movement that any college student can participate in to create change.
Co-Chapter Director Name: Matthew Strumph
Grad Year: 2013
Major: Public Policy Studies
Future Aspirations: To become a good husband and father.
Why I am in Strive: I remember how difficult the college admissions process can be and I want to help others navigate their own process.
My favorite things about Strive: Strive is about relationships. The reciprocal relationship between the mentor and mentee is real, meaningful, and mutually beneficial.
Director of PR, Marketing and Fundraising Name: Ivy Prince
Grad Year: 2012
Major: Public Policy
Future Aspirations: Move to NYC, improve foster care system and one day have a family.
Why I joined Strive? I know I am so blessed and I want everyone to have the opportunity to enjoy the college experience.
Why join Strive? You get to work with great people and hopefully help someone go to college.
Director of External Affairs Name: Cassidy Fox
Grad Year: 2013
Major: Psychology
Future Aspirations: After college, I plan to join the Peace Corps and then go to graduate school in Psychology. I hope to eventually work as a clinical psychologist.
Why you are in Strive: When applying to colleges, I had to figure out most of the process on my own. I hope to help others avoid some of the problems I faced.
What your favorite thing about Strive is: I like that Strive pairs high school students with college students who have successfully navigated the applications process. I believe that someone who has recently gone through the process of applying to college will be better able to identify with the students currently going through the process and, therefore, will be better able to help them.
Director of Internal Affairs Name: Brian Fried
Grad Year: 2013
Major: History
Future Aspirations: As of now, I'm quite undecided, but law school, a career in marketing, or Teach for America all sound like feasible options.
Why you are in Strive: I thoroughly enjoy giving back to the community and after going through the difficult college application process myself in high school, I felt like I could use the knowledge I garnered along the way to make a positive contribution in the lives of local students.
What your favorite thing about Strive is: Knowing that the energy and effort you put into the program pays off when you see students who normally wouldn't even apply to colleges get accepted into the colleges and universities of their choice.
Name: Shikha Nayar
Position: Liaison to Kaplan SAT Smart Start - SAT Smart Start is a pilot initiative of Kaplan that provides SAT preparation courses to under-resourced students.
Grad Year: 2014
Major: Biology
Future Aspirations: I hope to gain further education and work in the field of Genetics
Why you are in Strive: I so vividly remember the time when I was applying to college, with all the apprehensions and doubts that may be going through a teenager's mind. Being a part of Strive is important to me so I can help those who are going through similar experiences that I went through. I would like nothing more than to excite the students about the amazing opportunties I have seen that exist at college.
What your favorite thing about Strive is: Building a strong relationship with the students and making them believe that their aspirations can be achieved.
