About the 20 Stories Series
To celebrate 20 years of impact, we're sharing 20 stories from the people who’ve made our journey possible. From past participants to longtime partners, these voices reflect the heart of our program. Each story highlights the voices, experiences, and milestones that shaped our community. This is one of them.
What was your path to life after high school graduation like?
While I was in high school my post grad plans were very up in the air for me. It had come time to really start weighing what I was going to do and I had no idea where to even think about beginning. I had no college fund, no one in my family had attended a four-year university before, and I was unsure of what all my options were. With encouragement from Ms. B, my family, and other staff members at my high school, I was able to apply to several universities and be accepted as a student at Virginia Tech.
How did Ms. Bernstein support you with planning for your life after high school? What do you remember about your time with her during your senior year?
Ms. B. worked tirelessly to help me get to where I am today. She held initial meetings, specific workshops, check-ins, and made a space to feel comfortable to ask questions and sometimes just sit and work. I went from feeling constantly worried about life post-graduation to slowly becoming excited and looking forward to each next step. From the very beginning of weighing options down to decision day and graduation, Ms. B was always present and involved. I remember not knowing what an admission essay was, how financial aid worked, the list is quite long but diminished quickly. Ms. B always had a spreadsheet, presentation, or binder she had created with clear explanations and resources and if we somehow gave her something new to deal with, she helped us get very familiar with making phone calls and asking for help! There were even opportunities for my parents to be involved in meetings and workshops throughout the year so they could understand what they could contribute and be educated on. As the year progressed, I grew more interested in four-year universities, however I did not think this would even be feasible for me from a financial standpoint. Ms. B and her team immediately got to work helping me find scholarship opportunities and completing the FAFSA. She spent countless hours providing feedback on essays, finding new resources for me, and providing calm reassurance in what I felt was pure fear and chaos. I submitted countless scholarship applications through local organizations as well as everyone we were able to find through Virginia Tech. I am unable to put into words the impact that Ms. B made on me, not just as a student, but as an adult navigating a world of new opportunities post-graduation. One of the most special moments I remember with Ms. B was in Room 2 with countless tabs open and calling many different offices at Virginia Tech to figure out if they had a specific minor I wanted. This was the day I had to pick my choice between my final options and I was still feeling very indifferent. We were able to confirm the deciding factor I was waiting on and I sat and made my down payment crying with relief and joy, Ms. B by my side.
What are you up to now? What role did Ms. Bernstein play in supporting you along your path to what you are currently doing?
I am currently headed into my third year at Virginia Tech as a member of the Corps of Cadets majoring in Environmental horticulture with minors in Entomology, Plant Health Sciences, and Leadership. Ms. B helped educate me on every step of the way and pushed me out of my comfort zone to achieve something I never thought possible in my position.
What have you most enjoyed about college so far? Any favorite memories or experiences?
I have loved being able to experience new opportunities outside of what I have known all my life. I have an amazing group of people who are like family to me and I get to learn new things about subjects I am interested in every day. Some of my most favorite memories from college have been Tech football games, flying in a C-17, and finding a second home and family inside of Blacksburg.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about Ms. Bernstein's impact on you?
I cannot begin to imagine where I would be without Ms. B. I do not say that lightly as I sit remembering the state of fear and stress I was in before being gifted her guidance. Ms. B showed drive, passion, and care like I have never witnessed before and became a role model, not just showing me options for life after high school but demonstrating how to tackle anything thrown your way with a positive attitude.