The following is a guest blog post written by beloved PeerForward Coach, Alumni, and longtime volunteer, Phillips Percy.
Picture this: long hours stretching into the evening as our scholars shine brighter by the day, spurred on by their peers to try public speaking for the first time or maybe even bust out a quirky dance move to get to the other side of their fears. It’s in these moments that they begin to understand the power of community; the strength that comes from knowing you don’t have to go it alone. They learn to recognize the voice of the critic trying to throw them off their game, and they tap into that inner voice that tells them, “You can, you will, and you must.” Every summer, hundreds of scholars give us the extraordinary privilege to guide them not just through the steps of crafting a postsecondary plan, but through the deeply personal journey of discovering who they are and what they can become. Summer 2024 was no different—except it was everything.
From the moment we stepped into those buzzing rooms, filled with the nervous energy of young minds eager to break free from their cocoons, I knew this was going to be a whirlwind, a life-altering ride. This summer, I found myself at a crossroads, leaving behind a career in aviation to dive headfirst into education. To say I was unsure would be an understatement. I was terrified—uncertain about how I would manage the relentless travel schedule, and even more unsure about my ability to connect with students who seemed so different from me. But there was one thing I was sure of: the work would feed my soul. And feed it did. I can’t help but chuckle now when I think back to those first few days. The reaction from our scholars after Day 1 is always a mix of skepticism and curiosity, but by Day 2, it’s like watching a light switch flick on. Their faces transform as they realize, “Hey, this is real. I can do this.” It’s a beautiful, sometimes hilarious, process of buy-in that never gets old. As a lead coach, having served in every department within PeerForward, it’s an honest pleasure to return and give back—not just to our scholars and their communities, but to myself.
People often talk about the courage and strength it takes to stand in front of high schoolers you’ve never met, to help them unpack the baggage they carry and dismantle the self-sabotaging thoughts that hold them back. But what they don’t talk about enough is the inner work required to reach these beautiful minds without triggering their defenses. It’s a delicate dance, one that requires as much self-awareness as it does empathy. You see, I was once a Peer Leader myself—one of those rambunctious, eager students at the heart of PeerForward’s mission. This program left an indelible mark on me, changing how I viewed myself and my potential. Four days were all it took to secure my place in this space, a space I now call home for life. This summer was a journey of self-reflection and self-care, pushing me to be more transparent with my Alumni team, volunteers, and especially with the young scholars we serve.
Every year, without fail, those familiar butterflies take flight in my stomach, and I have to practice the very breathing exercises I preach to my students and siblings when nerves strike. One of the most rewarding experiences has been seeing every student, advisor, volunteer, and Alumni come into Workshop season and leave with a clearer grasp of the possibilities that await them. Watching them understand how to overcome obstacles and not let challenges dictate the outcome of their success is truly the best reward. For me, this summer was a privilege—a chance to coach thousands of scholars into becoming collegiate leaders, educators, military officers, skilled professionals, and above all, good people. It’s incredible to witness the ripple effect when someone not only works hard to achieve their goals but also lights the path for their siblings, peers, and community members to follow. That’s when the spark becomes a flame, igniting a brighter, better world. Summer 2024 was a season of ignition for me and for everyone I encountered. It was about doing the work within so that when times get tough, when the days grow cloudy, and the nights stretch long, we don’t give up, we don’t break down—we release, we grow, and we move forward with vivid clarity toward our goals.
