My name is Elizabeth Stafford, a sophomore at the University of Michigan. Michigan was my dream school since I was a little girl, and I looked up to many of the upperclassmen at my highschool who were able to get into such a prestigious university. They were impressive in their own unique ways, and I watched with wide eyes, trying to imitate those who I connected with most.

While I was able to find mentors in those who came before me, I recognize that not everyone has that opportunity. Some high schoolers may have different dreams, backgrounds, and perspectives, than the peers they find themselves surrounded by. This can make the college application process more than a little bit daunting.

The benefits of mentorship stretch far beyond my own personal experience. Studies show that students who have mentors and role models experience better outcomes in their academic, personal, and social lives. I believe that each student deserves a mentor, and that the impacts of hearing from a positive role model can make a difference.

This site provides a hub for highschoolers to engage with college students with various backgrounds, goals, and experiences. High schoolers can navigate to people they have a lot in common with (whether that be having immigrant parents, applying to out-of-state schools, etc), and hear their story, and how they got to where they are now- and what they are doing!

This resource would have been indispensable in my college application process, as I was craving a connection to people who were going through similar situations as me. I hope that this site can provide that opportunity for someone else, and that it changes their life and trajectory for the better.