Shannon Britt served as a college adviser at Essex High School in Tappahannock, Virginia, as part of the
Virginia College Advising Corps (VCAC), an AmeriCorps program. She found out about AmeriCorps when she was in high school, where she was served by a VCAC adviser. She recalls, “The 2017-2018 school year was our first year having a college adviser. During my fourth year of college at the University of Virginia, I heard someone speak to our Intro to Counseling class in the education school about the program.
I was interested in paying forward the great advising I received in high school and wanted an opportunity to gain a lot of experience and skills. I have always valued education and taking advantage of opportunities to get you further ahead in the future, so AmeriCorps really stood out to me.”
Shannon’s most memorable experience from her service has been witnessing one of her students get accepted to Harvard University on a full ride, as part of their wrestling team. She recalls, “This student was the first Black male valedictorian in his high school’s history. He gave his valedictorian speech at his graduation, and it was truly one of the greatest, most remarkable speeches I have ever heard.”
Her experience has impacted her future by teaching her about herself and helping her grow as a person and professional. She says, “I am excited to apply the skills and knowledge I have acquired in my time as an adviser in my future career as a mental health counselor. I have learned so much in my role about underrepresented communities and the lack of access to various resources on the path to higher education and in their current life.”
