Our Chapters: UNC - Chapel Hill
Chapter Director Name: Desiree' Pamela Ferrell
Grad Year: 2013
Major: Anthropology & International Studies
Future Aspirations: To help in various efforts abroad and also work for a government agency
Why you are in Strive: I know how it feels like to go blindly into such an endeavor as applying for college. Even though my parents attended college, the process was very different back then than it is now. I want to help a student who doesn't have anyone to turn to and guide then on this special journey.
What your favorite thing about Strive is: Making connections with your students and building lasting relationships with them.
Director of Membership Name: Sunny Huang
Grad Year: 2013
Future Aspirations: Social Entrepreneurship
Why you are in Strive: I am in Strive not only because I want to give back, but also because I believe in the impact that the organization has on the students. Everyone deserves to go to college, and Strive provides the much-needed guidance and encouragement to push past barriers.
What your favorite thing about Strive is: My favorite part of Strive is the dedication of both the mentors and mentees in helping each other out.
Director of Recruitment Name: Mario Fitzgerald
Grad Year: 2012
Major: Psychology with a minor in African American Studies
Future Aspirations: I came into college knowing that I wanted to be a guidance counselor at either the middle school or high school level. I chose to pursue such a career because I know of the importance of having a reliable, consistent guide through such a confusing time of one's life including choosing what path to pursue after high school.
Why you are in Strive: When I came upon Strive's information and read the organization's mission, I knew that I had found an organization that would help me get a head start on helping students through stressful decisions such as finding the right college and the means to pay for all four years of college. I have remained with Strive since the spring semester of my first year at UNC.
Position on Board and major responsibilities/projects: I am currently the Recruitment chair for the UNC chapter and am proud of the team of mentors we have assembled.
What your favorite thing about Strive is: I have enjoyed my time with Strive and have had two peak experiences when my first two mentees informed me of being accepted into the college in which they will enroll. I look forward to the remaining three semesters that I have on UNC's campus and seeing even more students celebrate their acceptance and enrollment in college.
Curriculum Director Name: Will Boyle
Grad Year:2011
Major:Chemistry
Future Aspirations: I'm hoping to do Teach for America after I graduate. Eventually, I would like to get my PhD in chemistry.
Position on Board and major responsibilities/projects: I am responsible for preparing the curriculum before each session, and making sure that the mentors information specific to North Carolina.
Why you are in Strive: I'm in Strive because I believe the achievement gap is a serious problem that needs to be addressed.
What your favorite thing about Strive is: My favorite thing about strive is working with my students on their essays. Helping my student through the writing process is a really rewarding experience for both of us.
Session Leaders Name: Nicole Wingard
Grad Year: 2013
Major: International Studies/ Economics; Minor in Spanish
Future Aspirations: I hope to work in international business.
Why you are in Strive: I have seen a number of qualified students forgo college because of the lack of resources available to them. I want to change that. I want to help students attend their perfect college so they can make significant contributions in the future.
What your favorite thing about Strive is: My favorite thing about Strive is the relationship built between mentors and students.
Session Leader name: Jacqueline Drexler
Grad Year: 2013
Major: Speech and Hearing Sciences
Future Aspirations: I hope to become an audiologist.
Position on Board and major responsibilities/projects: Organize each
session by making sure we have transportation to get to the high school,
and that our mentors and mentees are present at the session.
Why you are in Strive: I am in Strive because I truly enjoyed searching for
my best fit schools and applying for them. I believe college is an
investment that is worth making and I want to show that to the high school
students.
What your favorite thing about Strive is: My favorite thing about Strive is
watching my student become excited about the idea of going to college and
realizing that it is not a dream, it is a reality.
Former Co-Chapter Director Name: Wes Wollard
Grad Year: 2012
Major: Business Administration
Future Aspirations: I hope to get a consulting position after graduation and eventually move into non-profit management
Why you are in Strive: I am a first generation college student, but I was very fortunate to attend a preparatory boarding school. The school provided the supportive environment I needed to fulfill my dream of attending college. Strive gives me the perfect opportunity to help others who were not similarly fortunate achieve this same dream.
What your favorite thing about Strive is: My favorite thing about Strive is experiencing the mentorship develop
into a friendship, as this makes the successes along the way even better.
Former Co-Chapter Director Name: Susan Clark
Grad Year: 2012
Major: Physics
Future Aspirations: Physics Ph.D.
Why you are in Strive: It makes a real difference in the lives of some really inspiring people (our students).
What your favorite thing about Strive is: Watching my student completely change the way she talked about college -- from "I don't know if I'm cut out for it" to "I'm going."
