Maidely, a Wheaton Warrenville South graduate in the class of 2024, and her Mentor, Erica, have been working together since 2023. Maidely joined CREO in 2023 because her goal is to become a physician. We asked them to reflect on what their mentoring relationship has meant to each of them.

Hear from Maidely, CREO Student:

“Ms. Erica has always been thorough in helping me complete our tasks, but since our first meeting, we have been able to talk about more than just school. During coaching, we did a lot of writing, so I learned new things to use in my English class and things I can use when writing. Although the college process was stressful at times, I liked being able to complete the steps and get closer and closer to the ultimate goal: choosing the right school.”

Hear from Erica, CREO Volunteer:

“Being a mentor has been a very fulfilling and rewarding experience for me personally. I've enjoyed working with Maidely the last year and a half to help her navigate the college application process and put her best foot forward starting school as a college freshman in the fall. It's been a learning experience for both of us, and I like to think that l've grown as a person, too, throughout this time, helping her reach her full potential as a student and college applicant!

My favorite memory is when Maidely told me she received multiple awards and scholarships from the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign. They almost completely covered her tuition and living costs. I was extremely proud of all her hard work to maintain her excellent academic standing and continue to push herself this year as a senior. To see her rewarded with that well-deserved financial incentive was so exciting for me as her mentor. I've thoroughly enjoyed working with Maidely and being a Mentor for CREO. It’s been a refreshing reminder that we can all do great things with hard work, a positive outlook, and a little guidance. I'm so glad to have been given the opportunity to be a part of this amazing program.”

Empower student success for girls like Maidely!