Corina Rasmussen

Prompt # 4: Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or

worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.

As a first-generation student I struggle with not having many resources and access to

college knowledge. I am not the only one with this struggle, many people in my community are

faced with difficulties due to their lack of knowledge.

Everyone at Carson within the three schools knows what an honor it is to become a peer

counselor. You’re considered the cream of the crop, the best of all the schools. Peers make

college a reality for me and for others. So it was only natural to want to become a peer. As

expected there are requirements to achieve such a title. One had to apply, pass a prerequisite

class, go through interviews, and be observed through a team building challenge. At the end of

Junior year I received my acceptance letter and I was thrilled. It is quite rewarding to be chosen

from 150 students, for only 52 students made it.

Many peer counselors in other schools just hand out passes. Here I received intensive A-

G training and learned how to conduct transcript reviews and general academic advising for high

school requirements and college requirements. I am basically an extension of our college

counselor. I manage 20 student case loads, where I am personally responsible for making sure

they graduate on time and make college a reality for them. Peer counselors are extremely helpful

towards the community because the information they possess and share is crucial. I remember in

my first years of high school, receiving guidance from my peer counselors. They helped me

recognize my A- G requirements, sign up for college classes, and helped me register for AP

readiness. Now I am that helpful peer counselor helping fellow students with their journey

through high school. The information I mastered and teach is disseminated past myself, peers,
 Corina Rasmussen

and onto future generations. I am ultimately helping the entire first-generation community and

future generations go to college by being a peer counselor.