"I knew I helped," Anne reflects, "but it felt even better to see her grow and believe in herself."
May 1, 2025
For Anne Windholz, a lifelong educator and former hospital worker, mentoring at CREO isn't just volunteering—it's personal.
After earning a PhD from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, she spent two decades teaching English at the college level, guiding students through writing, literature, and the transitions that come with higher education.
Since joining CREO three years ago, Anne has been a steady source of support, wisdom, and confidence for the students she mentors.
“CREO helps students believe in themselves—that college isn't out of reach," she says.
One of Anne's most memorable moments came when Maria, a student she mentors, shouted joyfully: “I got into UIUC!!!” That single moment of triumph captured the spirit of what CREO stands for.
“I knew I helped,” Anne reflects, “but it felt even better to see her grow and believe in herself.”
Anne plans to continue mentoring with CREO for as long as she can. She offers volunteers and donors a simple but powerful truth: helping even one student changes the world. Her story reminds us that success isn't just getting into college—it is building the courage to believe you deserve to be there. And through CREO, that belief becomes a reality.