During their years of service, GCAC advisers develop skills that impact the trajectory of their lives. Our alumni continue to make a difference in their communities, drawing upon the knowledge and connections they gained while working as college advisers. Below is a sampling of comments by our former advisers. GCAC Advisers, 2010 Mamie Harper, 2009-2011 School Social Worker, National Heritage Academies-Atlanta Heights Charter School “[Working with GCAC] allowed me to form lasting relationships, defined what I want to do as a professional, and helped me gain professional skills that transfer into other employment positions.” GCAC Advisers, 2011 Lauren Butler, 2011-2013 School Counselor, Fulton County Schools/Roswell High School “I never wanted to work in schools long-term. However, after my two years of service with GCAC, I became passionate about connecting with and helping high school students.” Briane Davis, 2011-2013 Program Operations Specialist, Athens Land Trust "GCAC impacted my career choice and interest in public service. It set me on a path to pursue community development in ways that positively affect families. As a result, I currently work in community development, and focus on serving low to moderate income families.” LaShon Leggett, 2011-2014 Teacher, Savannah-Chatham County Public School System “GCAC allowed me to gain a greater understanding and appreciation of not only youth, but also the education system. The opportunities presented to me through GCAC helped me gain valuable experience that propelled me to my teaching career.” Tanacia Blackwell, 2013-2014 Southeast Regional Recruiter for The University of Arizona "All of the skills I gained while in GCAC has more than prepared me to excel in my current position and I am so grateful! My love for college access was sparked with GCAC and that spark is not fading anytime soon." Christopher Farr, 2013-2015 6th Grade Science and Social Studies, Pickens County Board of Education “As an adviser, I had an opportunity to begin my career working within public school systems. Through advising, coaching, goal setting, and training with advisers from around the country, I was able to grow professionally while helping students in high-risk areas.” Bri Hart, 2013-2015 Assistant Director for NC State University's Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Program, NC State University “GCAC was my springboard into higher education, specifically as it relates to supporting first-year students in transition.” Ashley Hollins, 2013-2015 10th Grade English Teacher, Fulton County Schools “[Working with GCAC] made me want to continue a career in education. I chose to join Teach for America and become a teacher. I hope to work my way into administration or policy within the next three to five years.” Gianna-Marie Medina, 2013-2015 Graduate Assistant: Multicultural Leadership, Salem College “[Working with GCAC] gave me a sense of purpose and direction. I decided to continue advising in Texas, and now I am seeking a Master's degree in Student Affairs as I would like to continue working with students on the college level." Jasman, 2013-2015 Young Alumni Engagement Officer, Yale Law School “GCAC greatly impacted my life. Working as a college adviser helped me find my passion for education. I gained so many transferable skills that I still use today, and I'm especially thankful for the project management experience I gained so early on in my career." Chelsea Smith, 2014 Ph.D. candidate in Higher Education Administration, North Carolina State University “GGAC evoked my passion for research pertaining to addressing inequities in higher education. Additionally, I gained a mentor through the experience." GCAC Advisers, 2015 Karimah Banks, 2015-2016 Hall Director, Southeast Missouri State University “Working with GCAC helped me decide what I really want to do and what kind of demographic I want to work with.” Loni Gibson, 2015-2017 Tennessee Market Manager, Bacardi USA “GCAC changed my life in ways I could never put into words. I built lifelong relationships, discovered my passions, and had a chance to change the lives of young people. For that, I will always deem working with GCAC an impactful, unforgettable and priceless experience.” Johnnae Roberts, 2015-2017 Diversity Programs & Services Coordinator, University of West Georgia “[Working with GCAC] further showed me that student affairs is a field I want to pursue. It also gave me so much experience working with students.” GCAC Advisers, 2016 Delisha Hodo, 2016-2018 Student Advisor, SANS Technology Institute “GCAC has allowed me to grow not only as an individual, but also as a professional. The opportunity to meet first-generation students like myself and impact their lives was a blessing, and something that has become a part of my purpose.” Ashley Simpson-Haley, 2016-2018 Mentor, Foothills Education Charter School “GCAC changed my life. I was challenged in ways that I never imagined but it taught me to keep going. Because of GCAC, I changed my outlook on life and found my true passion in helping people, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.” Alyssa Yuhouse, 2016-2018 Graduate Assistant, University of Georgia Office of Service Learning “Serving as a GCAC adviser has impacted me in more ways than I can say. Serving has helped me grow professionally and personally. I also made countless connections in the Athens community, and I am beginning to expand my network elsewhere as a result. I would not be where I am today without GCAC.” GCAC Alumni Advisers Still Believing ... Serving ... Changing Lives....
