As a nonprofit organization, PeerForward succeeds with the help of our volunteers who are passionate about empowering students and driving educational opportunities. One such volunteer is August Taylor! August is a PeerForward Alumni who served as a Writing Coach at our University of Redlands Workshop in the summer of 2024. Inspired by her dedication, we reached out to August to learn more about her PeerForward volunteer experience:
What drives you to serve first-generation, low-income students?
Education, in my opinion, is a basic human right. By volunteering, I am able to help students access their rights, whether it be college or vocational school.
Please describe the impact of the PeerForward/College Summit volunteering experience.
It is such a beautiful feeling to give back. I remember when I was once in the Peer Leaders’ shoes, so it’s definitely a full circle moment. The PeerForward experience is needed! The friends you make, the encouragement you get, and the advisors you have are like no other. One word I would use to describe PeerForward is love. It is the love we have for the younger generation that keeps us coming back, and the love we give to fill their cups so they’ll do the same when it’s their time.
In your opinion, why should low-income students pursue postsecondary education?
Low-income students should pursue postsecondary education to close the wealth gap. We live in a society that honors postsecondary education, whether it’s college or vocational school. Pursuing postsecondary education brings many opportunities which can help not only advance your career, but your life as well. Education is knowledge, and knowledge is power, so let’s use those tools to guarantee freedom! “Education is a passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” -Malcom X
Some responses have been edited for length and clarity.
