Williams HS Partnership
Future Focus Mentoring Program with Walter M. Williams High School
In collaboration with Walter M. Williams High School in Burlington, NC, The Center for Access and Success pairs Elon Undergraduate students with students from Williams High School. Trained Elon student mentors provide critical assistance to high school students, including encouragement, academic and social support and positive behavior role-modeling. This is a pre-college initiative, with the central goal of providing high school students with one-to-one mentoring support for a one-year (October-April) academic commitment.
Program Objectives:
- Improvement of academic achievements
- Help plan postsecondary college and career choices
- Help to improve social, emotional, mental readiness for college and life
- Help develop problem solving skills and self-advocacy skills
- Help expose students to a world beyond high school
Successful mentoring relationships require time, energy, enthusiasm and commitment on behalf of both mentees and mentors!
Meet our Mentors!
Loren Brunson
Hello everyone! My name is Loren Brunson and I am a current Junior studying BFA Acting & BA Arts Administration with a minor in business management. As a young mother, I have a passion towards child development as well as creating a balanced structured environment for individual lives. Whether that be in the classroom, at home, or in daily interactions, having that additional support, that additional push, to accomplish the things that students need to get to that next level, is something that i'm passionate about. In addition to my responsibilities as a mother and student, I serve as a current member and treasurer of the Omicron Iota Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, INC, I serve as a Residence Life Apartment Manager, a student worker for the Student Professional Development Center, the student liaison for the SPDC advisory committee, a house manager for Elon University Performing Arts, a mentor to underclass arts majors, and the treasure for the NPHC Exec Board.
Mackenzie Greenbaum
My name is Kenzie and I am a sophomore at Elon University. I am a Sociology major with minors in Women, Gender & Sexuality studies as well as Poverty & Social Justice. I love walking around outside (when it’s not freezing haha), spending time with friends, and cooking. I also love getting to know new people and building connections. I grew up in a broken home and was exposed to more than I like to admit as a child but now have decided to use what I have learned from those experiences to help students who may be going through similar things. I can be the person that someone comes to when they need to talk, or not, whatever makes them feel like they have someone who is present and cares. I also can give advice or serve as a sounding board for what someone may be going through. I order way too much chinese food and am always looking for someone to order with since they have the delivery minimum and I cannot eat that much food!
Chantrisse Howard
My name is Chantrisse Howard and I am a Sophomore here at Elon University. I am majoring in Political Science with minors in Psychology and Criminal Justice Studies. After I graduate, I hope to go to law school to become a Criminal Lawyer. My favorite subjects in high school were Math and English. In my free time I like to watch Netflix and I’ve recently begun painting (my hobbies change with my moods honestly). Some shows that I watch on Netflix are Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and Law and Order: SVU. I’m also obsessed with reality TV shows.
Kaela Lane
My name is Kaela Lane, a current Junior and Exercise Science major at Elon University. I am originally from Hillsborough, North Carolina and plan on earning my Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy starting in 2020. I have worked with children since I was 15 years old and have had amazing experiences doing so. I love to experience new things with new people while educating others on my experiences. I am a great resource for providing information about the college experience not only because I have been at Elon for three years, but also because I am the first in my family applying to higher education specifically in the medical field. I feel like I can help those who do not have direction, find their path.
Jordyn McAtee
I am a current Junior at Elon University with a major in Human Service Studies and double minors in Criminal Justice Studies and Poverty and Social Justice. During my time at Elon, I am hoping to get hands-on experience in the field that I am aiming to work in by completing internships, volunteer opportunities, and participating in service learning. On campus, I have served as the President of the Black Student Union, participated in the S.M.A.R.T. Mentorship Program, and have worked in Residence Life as a Resident Assistant and an Apartment Manager. I love to use my positions on campus to benefit others, particularly being a resource to younger students who need help finding their fit at Elon. By using this passion of mine, I hope to lead other students (at Elon and in the outer community) to find their passions as well and succeed on the paths that they choose.
Bernadette Cooper
Hey y’all my name is Bernadette Cooper and I’m a senior Odyssey scholar from Durham, NC. I am a Psychology major with minors in Neuroscience, Criminal Justice and Leadership Studies. Upon graduation, I will be attending graduate school for Social Work. On campus, I am the Executive Intern for the Center for Access and Success. I am also an Apartment Manager for the Station at Mill Point residential neighborhood and an Office Assistant in Admissions. In the past, I have also participated in S.M.A.RT., club volleyball and Gospel Choir. In my free time, I enjoy eating at new restaurants, napping, and playing with my dog! I am looking forward to being a mentor and helping students prepare for their life after High School!
Tatyana Louis
Hi! My name is Tatyana Louis and I am from Kennesaw, Georgia. I am currently a senior at Elon majoring in Public Health Studies with minors in Statistics and Human Service Studies. As a student, I work for Residence Life as an Apartment Manager and in the Global Education Center for Study abroad and international students. I also serve on the executive board for One Sixteen Bible study formally known as Affinity. During my off time, I love going to the football games, watching all of my favorite TV shows and getting in some good sleep. My favorite quote is by the phenomenal woman Maya Angelou, “My mission is life is not merely to survive but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, compassion some humor, and some style”.
Stef Milovic
I am a junior at Elon University with a major in Strategic Communications and minors in Entrepreneurship and English Literature. I was super involved throughout high school in varsity sports and honors societies, and my list of accomplishments has only grown throughout college! During my time here at Elon, I am proud to say that I have already interned with the U.S. Senate, studied abroad in England, and worked for the U.K. Parliament. Although I keep a bit busy, I promise I do have free time! During that free time, I love to write poetry, practice instruments, play tennis and soccer, and of course watch Netflix. More importantly, however, I absolutely love the opportunity to mentor younger students. I am especially interested in helping with time management, essay-writing, preparation for college applications, and overcoming all such challenges along the way.
Mikisha Davis
Hey y’all! My name is Mikisha Davis, and I am a first generation college student. I am now a sophomore at Elon University, and I believe that I am doing well for myself- but this was not always the case. Due to my family not having any knowledge of the college process, I received little to no help when applying to colleges/universities, as well as when preparing for college. Going into my first year, I struggled immensely in my fall semester because I was overwhelmed with the amount of stress that I was facing in classes, my social life, and family matters. I had, and still have, a lot of pressure on me by my family to succeed, and so carrying that weight took a huge toll on me during my first year. Since I had been used to getting through things on my own, I was hesitant to reach other for help, which only caused me more stress. Eventually, I had a huge breakdown. I had stopped sleeping, I was very sick, and my mental health was terrible. It was not until I reached out to my mentors from home and some faculty/staff members on campus that I was able to get myself back on track. I realized that attempting to do everything by myself was not beneficial, and that it was okay to have someone to lean on to help you when times got rough. These experiences that occurred in my first year are driving reasons as to why I want to be a part of this program. I know the struggle, and I would not want anyone else to feel like they have to go through that. If there is any way I am able to help a prospective student with easing their college process, I am all hands on deck. I hope to be able to connect with students and let them know that though I am not much older than them and I am still going through the struggle myself, I can still be a reliable asset in helping them not experience what I had went through during my college transition.
Chandler Posey
I am currently a sophomore at Elon and undecided, but I have strong interests in finance and sociology. On campus, I am a Periclean Scholar, Treasurer of Elon African Society and member of various organizations. In my free time, I like to read science fiction, talk about life, practice martial arts and occasionally binge-watch a series on Netflix. This is my first time formally assuming a mentorship position. In the past, I've helped people prepare taxes and instructed in martial arts. Not to mention, I'm the oldest of five. I've always assumed positions where I've helped and advised but without being called a mentor. Nonetheless, I am excited about the opportunity to pour into someone and help them find their purpose. I'll be candid in saying I'm not perfect, I'm human and have limits. However, I can promise that I will be present and give the best to my mentee in order for them to enrichment themselves and achieve greatness.
Mariatu Okonofua
Mariatu is a Junior from Memphis, TN double majoring in Policy Studies and Sociology with minors in Criminal Justice Studies and Political Science. After Elon, she plans to go on to law school, after which she will pursue a career as a human rights attorney with a nonprofit organization. At Elon, Mariatu is dedicated to raising awareness for minority views and beliefs and is an active member in DEEP, Elon Student Government where she serves as the Honors Senator, SMART, the Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and the National Council of Negro Women where she serves as First Vice President. In her free time, she likes to swim, read, and meet new people.
Donita Sharkey
Hey y'all, my name is Donita Sharkey and I'm a senior from Memphis, TN majoring in Cinema and Television Arts. I work in the Center for Race Ethnicity and Diversity Education and I am an Apartment Manager. I love being outdoors; night skies are my top scene of choice. I like and will watch almost any sport, as long as it's not pointless like NASCAR (seriously, they just drive in circles). Spongebob will forever be my favorite cartoon, and yes, I do know all of the songs from the show. I have a very healthy sense of humor and will more than likely laugh at any and all fart noises. I love to travel and explore, but road trips with my family are the best. My favorite color is blue, I would prefer a burger over pizza, and I still scream for ice cream.
Dyamond Howell
Hello my name is Dyamond and I am a junior Cinema and Television Arts major with a minor in Digital Art. I am interested in helping students get an understanding of what it is like to be an Elon student and encourage someone to consider their options for the future. I am particularly looking forward to helping a student find their passion, or encouraging them to find one they already have. I hope to be a mentor and a friend and hope that we can learn from each other. I enjoy reading, writing and art.
Ryan Sanders
I am currently a junior majoring in Sport Management while double minoring in Business and Coaching. Elon University, as a community truly cares about volunteer work and helping others and I am glad to say that I am a part of this community. This year I was selected to be a SMART Mentor, which is a program that strives to help incoming underclassmen adjust to college life as well as feel supported by their peers. I would love to help mentor kids with the understanding that I am not perfect and do not have all of the right answers, but I can still be a positive influence on the lives of this great younger generation.