At PeerForward, our incredible volunteers don’t just offer advice—they represent the possibilities that await our Peer Leaders beyond high school.
Their stories, wisdom, and encouragement leave lasting impressions, reminding students that their dreams are within reach.
During a recent Training Camp in New York City, volunteers from Deloitte shared powerful words of encouragement with our students. Their messages were simple yet profound: embrace change, follow your passions, and believe in your right to take up space in any room you enter.
Deloitte Senior Ambassador, Suman, emphasized the importance of exploring different paths. “Don’t be afraid to try different things. Just because something doesn’t align with your career right now doesn’t mean it won’t eventually lead you to where you need to be.” Her advice is a reminder that every experience—whether expected or not—adds value to our journeys.
Lauren encouraged her students to tap into their instincts, “Pay attention to what makes you happy. When you’re at this age, pay attention to the things that you’re doing that give you that sense of purpose.”
Ire’Ana spoke about the power of belonging. “I’ve been in so many situations where I felt like I didn’t belong, simply because I didn’t see people like me in those spaces. But the truth is, you belong. You are here for a reason.” Representation matters, and seeing successful professionals from similar backgrounds helps students envision their own success.
A key takeaway from the session was the idea of stepping outside of comfort zones. Karen, a Deloitte Tax Partner, encouraged Peer Leaders to be bold in their decisions: “Don’t be afraid to change your environment. Sometimes, we stay in the same place because it’s familiar, even when it’s holding us back. I encourage you—go away for school, meet new people, and expand your perspective.”
And perhaps the simplest yet most powerful message of all came from William: “Just fly. There’s a lot of fear around falling, but you can also soar.” Fear can hold us back, but it can also be a sign that we’re about to do something incredible. If we let go of self-doubt, we might not fall—we just might soar.
To our Peer Leaders, the world is waiting for you. Step into new opportunities, embrace challenges, and trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. You are capable, you are worthy, and you are ready to fly.
Be the Mentor Who Inspires Change
If you believe in the power of mentorship and want to support students on their journey to postsecondary success, we invite you to join us as a PeerForward volunteer! Applications are now open for our 2025 Summer Workshop season. We are looking for Writing Coaches and College Coaches who are passionate about guiding students through the college application process and helping them craft their personal narratives.
