Rosie is a first-year VCAC adviser at HHS and recent graduate of James Madison University. After graduation, she considered doing Peace Corps service but discovered AmeriCorps at a career fair. She valued the opportunity to stay in Harrisonburg, learn more about the community, and give back. After her second term of service, she's considering going into political affairs. She views this AmeriCorps opportunity serving with VCAC as a great way to build skills in community outreach, organizing, and public relations as she considers her future in public service.

 

For now, with a senior class of 457 students, Rosie stays busy at HHS. Serving as a VCAC adviser, Rosie supports students in their aspirations, from directly pursuing higher education at four-year institutions like the University of Virginia, James Madison University, or Virginia Tech, to considering other career pathways like the military. Each of her students experience different journeys and face barriers in figuring out what next step is right for them.

 

Rosie provides critical support to each student as they decide where to go and how to do it, including help with completing applications, financial planning and scholarships, and deciding between multiple schools upon receiving acceptance letters. In addition to helping students with practical steps like completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), Rosie is also an integral part of helping to expand and enhance the work of the counseling department at HHS, engaging parents and navigating barriers one-on-one with students, all while demonstrating a level of care for her students that is unparalleled.