Jaylan Hicks

When I think about EOP, I don’t think of just one story. I think of perseverance through adversity, family-oriented morals and beliefs, and a love for giving back to the community. EOP has changed my life and helped me grow on levels of respect, responsibility and attitude along with helping me mature.

I’m proud of being a DHFYE Peer Mentor and being able to assist students through their first year of college. Being a help in times of need for my students showed me that giving back and sharing knowledge is necessary to help grow and develop the next generation of leaders. Without my peer mentor showing me the potential, I had and what she believed I could achieve, I would have never been able to do the same for other students.

EOP has provided me with personal development with communication skills and professional development networking skills by exposing me to resources and opportunities that have made me a better person and helped me with my current career path. Having advisors to help with any questions I had in regard to my career and having role models in EOP that come from the community I come from has given me the drive and determination to thrive in my academics.

If I could share some advice with other EOP students, I’d say take advantage of the resources EOP provides because they can and will change your life for the better, my experience is the perfect example. Without EOP, I don’t know where I’d be. This program has been rewarding and beneficial throughout my college career.