This Spring's Featured Mentor and Student:
Since September of last year, Laura has worked with Amanda, a senior at Perspectives Charter School in the South Loop, to guide her in completing her college applications and preparing for undergraduate life this upcoming fall.
Because Amanda is interested in pursuing studies in law, CPY paired her with Laura, who is currently an attorney at Vedder Price. In a recent interview with CPY, Laura and Amanda discussed the successes of their efforts and their growing friendship.
Q: Amanda, what have you found most helpful about working with your mentor Laura this year?
Well, just about everything. She has helped me so, so much, especially when I was trying to decide which schools I was going to apply to. Laura offered her advice and did some of her own research so I could narrow down my list. And when it was time to write my essays and my personal statements for my applications, she gave me lots of pointers about how to present myself and get my point across.
Q: Laura, what have you enjoyed most about being a mentor again in CPY's College Prep program this year?
I just love that Amanda and I have so much in common. Even though I'm here to make sure she meets her deadlines and edits her essays the right way, I feel like we're more than just a mentor and mentee. I think that we're really becoming friends and that we can talk about anything, including law and all of our other interests. It's like Amanda has taught me a lot, too, which I really appreciate and is really exciting.
Q: For the both of you, what have been the outcomes of your collaboration over this last semester and a half?
Amanda: After talking to Laura a lot, I now know that I can still pursue my other interests like music and singing, and also keep law in mind at the same time. As for colleges, I've been accepted to a few like Tennessee State and Southern Illinois, but I'm still waiting to hear from my dream school which is NYU.
Laura: We're keeping our fingers crossed for NYU, but I'm sure Amanda will be successful wherever she ends up going to school in the fall.
Both Laura and Amanda said they look forward to hearing from NYU, Amanda's graduation in May, and to keeping in touch over the summer and throughout Amanda's undergraduate career.