Spring Branch ISD Featured News

 

Thirteen years ago, a shy high school junior and a professional woman were paired through the Collegiate Challenge mentoring program at Spring Woods High School (SWHS) to begin a journey toward fulfilling the student’s dream of attending college.

That dream became a reality, and today, the once-mentored student is a teacher at her alma mater in Spring Branch ISD (SBISD).

“I had no idea where to start, and it was intimidating trying to navigate all the requirements alone,” said Veronica Santos, a digital credit recovery teacher at SWHS. “Collegiate Challenge made it easier to tackle the application process and learn about scholarship opportunities.”

Who Am I?

Beginning in the spring semester of 2012, dozens of Collegiate Challenge mentors began meeting weekly with their mentees at SWHS and other campuses across SBISD.

As Santos and her mentor, Becky Wuerth, got to know one another, they collaborated to craft a resume for college and scholarship applications. Seeing her accomplishments captured in one document helped build Santos’ confidence.

“Simple word changes, like ‘child care with nutritional support’ instead of ‘babysitting,’ strengthened the quality of the resume,” Wuerth said.

Where Will I Go?

The pair also explored colleges that aligned with Santos’ interest in education, health or technology. Online research into academic programs helped narrow her options.

Collegiate Challenge mentors and mentees also visited Houston-area universities, giving students a firsthand look at campus life. The experience included touring facilities and eating in campus dining halls.

“I had ideas of what I wanted to do, but since I wasn’t certain, I needed to make sure my school choices offered two or more options in case I changed my major,” Santos said.

Telling Her Story

The major spring semester project focused on drafting and completing three college application essays required by Texas universities through the ApplyTexas portal.

“My mentor brainstormed ideas with me and helped align a theme with each prompt,” Santos said. “She set deadlines, reviewed drafts and worked with me until each essay was ready to submit.”

“I noticed that as we worked together to tell Veronica’s story, she began to see a clear path forward built on her experiences,” Wuerth said. “One essay about her grandmother was especially powerful and reflected her motivation to attend college to honor her and make her proud.”

Ready. Set. Go.

With her resume and essays refined, Santos was ready to submit college applications during the fall of her senior year. While waiting for decisions, she and her mentor continued working together to identify and apply for scholarships.

Within a few months, Santos received acceptance letters from five colleges.

“Receiving my acceptance letters was exciting and a relief,” Santos said. “It proved that my hard work paid off and that I reached my goal.”

With the support of her family and mentor, Santos chose to attend the University of Houston, where she majored in history and education and graduated in 2017.

Full Circle

Reflecting on the influence of teachers and coaches at SWHS helped solidify Santos’ decision to return as an educator. She began her career teaching social studies and personal finance literacy while coaching volleyball. Last year, she transitioned into the digital credit recovery program, helping students earn credits needed for graduation.

Long term, Santos is considering pursuing a master’s degree and is open to additional career pathways.

“I have learned about educational roles beyond the classroom, such as project and operations management or corporate training,” she said. “I am open to opportunities that still allow me to help and teach others.”

Wuerth said she is incredibly proud of her former mentee, who now serves as a teacher and informal mentor to many students.

“To have played a role in Veronica’s journey is an honor,” Wuerth said. “It truly feels like coming full circle.”

Make an Impact

Santos encourages other adults to get involved with the Collegiate Challenge program.

“Your involvement can make a meaningful impact in our community,” she said. “Guiding a student through this process is rewarding and helps counselors reach more students.”

She also encourages students to take advantage of the program.

“It can be overwhelming to plan and apply on your own,” Santos said. “Sometimes we need extra support, and mentors are there to guide you with knowledge, experience and encouragement.”

Having a mentor can make a lasting difference.

“It impacted me as a mentor to know that investing my time contributed to Veronica’s success and helped strengthen our community for future generations,” Wuerth said.

---

During National Mentoring Month, we thank our Collegiate Challenge Mentors!