1 00:00:01,639 --> 00:00:05,360 Speaker 1: Welcome to Get Connected with Nina del Rio, a weekly 2 00:00:05,480 --> 00:00:09,440 Speaker 1: conversation about fitness, health and happenings in our community on 3 00:00:09,440 --> 00:00:12,160 Speaker 1: one oh six point seven light FM. 4 00:00:12,480 --> 00:00:15,800 Speaker 2: Thank you for listening to Get Connected. Happy Thanksgiving everyone, 5 00:00:15,920 --> 00:00:19,320 Speaker 2: Thank you for joining me and my guest Bentley Gordon, 6 00:00:19,680 --> 00:00:22,960 Speaker 2: representing the Fresh Air Fund. The Fresh Air Fund is 7 00:00:22,960 --> 00:00:26,000 Speaker 2: a New York City institution. A one hundred and fifty 8 00:00:26,079 --> 00:00:29,120 Speaker 2: year old nonprofit. You likely know for summer adventures for 9 00:00:29,240 --> 00:00:32,760 Speaker 2: urban kids with their signature volunteer host family programs, and 10 00:00:32,840 --> 00:00:36,760 Speaker 2: sleep away camps. Among their year round programs is the 11 00:00:36,800 --> 00:00:40,760 Speaker 2: College Connections Program for high schoolers, which hosts workshops to 12 00:00:40,760 --> 00:00:44,120 Speaker 2: help students with the college application process. Our guest is 13 00:00:44,159 --> 00:00:47,639 Speaker 2: Bentley Gordon. He is director of the College Connections Program. 14 00:00:47,800 --> 00:00:50,120 Speaker 2: Bentley Gordon. Thank you for joining me on Get Connected. 15 00:00:51,479 --> 00:00:52,639 Speaker 3: Yes, thank you for having me. 16 00:00:52,880 --> 00:00:55,760 Speaker 2: You can find out more about the organization at freshair 17 00:00:55,880 --> 00:00:59,960 Speaker 2: dot org. So, the College Connections Program, we're going to 18 00:00:59,960 --> 00:01:01,960 Speaker 2: go into detail, but maybe you could start by giving 19 00:01:02,000 --> 00:01:03,160 Speaker 2: us the broad strokes. 20 00:01:04,000 --> 00:01:04,200 Speaker 3: Yeah. 21 00:01:04,280 --> 00:01:07,800 Speaker 4: So, the College Connections Program is a fresh is the 22 00:01:07,840 --> 00:01:11,440 Speaker 4: fresheer of funds college access and success program that supports 23 00:01:11,520 --> 00:01:14,680 Speaker 4: young people from the moment they begin that conversation about 24 00:01:14,680 --> 00:01:17,399 Speaker 4: college all the way through getting any degree. So we 25 00:01:17,440 --> 00:01:20,280 Speaker 4: work with students during their high school years on everything 26 00:01:20,319 --> 00:01:23,800 Speaker 4: from building a strong college list, to running college essays, 27 00:01:24,200 --> 00:01:27,600 Speaker 4: even navigating financial aid, and once they get to college, 28 00:01:27,720 --> 00:01:30,560 Speaker 4: we stay connected. The Fresheer of Fund wants to make 29 00:01:30,560 --> 00:01:34,319 Speaker 4: sure our students have the resources, mentorship, and community they 30 00:01:34,360 --> 00:01:35,920 Speaker 4: need to stay on track and graduate. 31 00:01:36,280 --> 00:01:37,920 Speaker 2: So if you could give us a little more detail, 32 00:01:38,000 --> 00:01:40,280 Speaker 2: what kind of support do you offer parents and students 33 00:01:40,280 --> 00:01:42,080 Speaker 2: who are in the application process. 34 00:01:42,800 --> 00:01:46,120 Speaker 4: Yes, so for students, we provide one on one advising 35 00:01:46,319 --> 00:01:50,400 Speaker 4: weekly workshops on skill building and the application process. We 36 00:01:50,520 --> 00:01:54,600 Speaker 4: also offer essays support, financial aid guidance, and college readiness 37 00:01:54,600 --> 00:01:57,360 Speaker 4: sessions that are similar to college's. 38 00:01:56,960 --> 00:01:58,160 Speaker 3: Summer Bridge program. 39 00:01:58,480 --> 00:02:01,080 Speaker 4: And for parents, we make sure that understand the process 40 00:02:01,080 --> 00:02:03,680 Speaker 4: every step of the way, the timelines, the costs. 41 00:02:03,680 --> 00:02:06,680 Speaker 3: We offer several workshops on completing financial aid forms. 42 00:02:06,880 --> 00:02:08,800 Speaker 4: You know a lot of families are navigating this for 43 00:02:08,840 --> 00:02:11,320 Speaker 4: the first time, so our role is to really just 44 00:02:11,360 --> 00:02:13,960 Speaker 4: break things down and reduce the stress and make sure 45 00:02:14,000 --> 00:02:17,200 Speaker 4: the process feels as manageable as possible for everyone involved. 46 00:02:17,560 --> 00:02:21,360 Speaker 2: So the college process, as you mentioned, financial aid can 47 00:02:21,400 --> 00:02:23,160 Speaker 2: be kind of sticky for people. What are the most 48 00:02:23,200 --> 00:02:26,640 Speaker 2: common fears right now about the early decision application process? 49 00:02:26,639 --> 00:02:28,200 Speaker 2: What do you hear from parents and kids? 50 00:02:29,120 --> 00:02:32,160 Speaker 4: The biggest fear that I've been hearing lately is, you know, 51 00:02:32,200 --> 00:02:34,560 Speaker 4: the fear of wanting to be perfect. You know, oftentimes 52 00:02:34,600 --> 00:02:37,760 Speaker 4: students think that everyone who is applying for early decision 53 00:02:37,880 --> 00:02:40,560 Speaker 4: has the perfect grades or the perfect resumes. But what 54 00:02:40,600 --> 00:02:43,919 Speaker 4: I tell families is early decisions should be used only 55 00:02:43,960 --> 00:02:47,280 Speaker 4: when the school is true research and confirm their students' 56 00:02:47,360 --> 00:02:49,919 Speaker 4: first choice, and also when they have done their research 57 00:02:50,040 --> 00:02:53,839 Speaker 4: on their financial implications. Applying early decision is a great 58 00:02:53,840 --> 00:02:56,560 Speaker 4: option for some students, but it's definitely not the right 59 00:02:56,600 --> 00:02:57,400 Speaker 4: fit for everyone. 60 00:02:57,800 --> 00:02:59,720 Speaker 2: Yeah, what would be Why would you not want to 61 00:02:59,720 --> 00:03:00,800 Speaker 2: go in to early decision? 62 00:03:01,600 --> 00:03:05,280 Speaker 4: You know, sometimes we aren't sure of which majors we 63 00:03:05,480 --> 00:03:08,000 Speaker 4: want to have, so that may affect the school choices 64 00:03:08,360 --> 00:03:10,799 Speaker 4: that we have on our list. And we really only 65 00:03:10,840 --> 00:03:14,000 Speaker 4: recommend applying early decision for one school versus many, so 66 00:03:14,040 --> 00:03:16,080 Speaker 4: we don't want to get locked into a school that 67 00:03:16,320 --> 00:03:19,040 Speaker 4: may not be one hundred percent the right fit for 68 00:03:19,360 --> 00:03:19,880 Speaker 4: that student. 69 00:03:20,440 --> 00:03:23,480 Speaker 2: Who is giving your team guidance on what's currently most 70 00:03:23,520 --> 00:03:26,760 Speaker 2: important for incoming freshmen? To present potential schools. Do you 71 00:03:26,800 --> 00:03:29,560 Speaker 2: have partner college and universities you work with you speak with? 72 00:03:30,440 --> 00:03:31,840 Speaker 3: Yes, we do partner with schools. 73 00:03:31,880 --> 00:03:34,720 Speaker 4: We offer something on a weekly basis call a college Spotlight, 74 00:03:34,920 --> 00:03:37,440 Speaker 4: where we have schools, we have their our missions reps 75 00:03:37,440 --> 00:03:40,280 Speaker 4: come out to our location and give students insight into 76 00:03:40,360 --> 00:03:42,880 Speaker 4: what they are looking for in the college applications. That way, 77 00:03:42,920 --> 00:03:46,000 Speaker 4: students are getting the direct feedback from the people who 78 00:03:46,000 --> 00:03:47,840 Speaker 4: are going to be reviewing their applications. 79 00:03:48,200 --> 00:03:51,320 Speaker 2: Do you think it has become because people are so 80 00:03:51,440 --> 00:03:54,560 Speaker 2: fearful of it now actually harder or easier for kids 81 00:03:54,600 --> 00:03:55,839 Speaker 2: to get into college? 82 00:03:56,880 --> 00:04:00,760 Speaker 4: I think college has become more accessible and the process 83 00:04:00,800 --> 00:04:04,640 Speaker 4: has become more complicated, but not necessarily harder. There are 84 00:04:04,720 --> 00:04:08,080 Speaker 4: more application platforms, there are more deadlines to pay attention to, 85 00:04:08,360 --> 00:04:10,800 Speaker 4: and there are more financial aid forms that students have 86 00:04:10,840 --> 00:04:12,760 Speaker 4: to submit that can create stress. 87 00:04:13,080 --> 00:04:15,520 Speaker 3: But there are also more pathways to college now than 88 00:04:15,560 --> 00:04:16,320 Speaker 3: ever before. 89 00:04:16,440 --> 00:04:18,760 Speaker 4: There are more support programs, and there are more schools 90 00:04:18,960 --> 00:04:21,920 Speaker 4: that are actively seeking first generation students. So if the 91 00:04:22,000 --> 00:04:26,240 Speaker 4: right guidance and information, students can absolutely navigate this process successfully. 92 00:04:27,120 --> 00:04:29,000 Speaker 4: So to all those students out there, remember that you 93 00:04:29,040 --> 00:04:31,000 Speaker 4: don't have to do it alone. You have counselors, you 94 00:04:31,040 --> 00:04:33,000 Speaker 4: have teachers, and you have family. I can help you. 95 00:04:33,440 --> 00:04:36,440 Speaker 2: Brentley Gordon is the director of the College Connections Program 96 00:04:36,480 --> 00:04:39,280 Speaker 2: at the fresh Air Fund, one of their year round programs. 97 00:04:39,520 --> 00:04:42,680 Speaker 2: With over five years experience in higher education and youth development, 98 00:04:42,880 --> 00:04:46,200 Speaker 2: Bentley Gordon specializes in helping young people navigate the college 99 00:04:46,240 --> 00:04:48,919 Speaker 2: application process. That is what we are talking about today. 100 00:04:49,120 --> 00:04:51,280 Speaker 2: You can again find out more about the organization at 101 00:04:51,320 --> 00:04:53,919 Speaker 2: fresh Air dot org. You're listening to get connected on 102 00:04:53,920 --> 00:04:56,400 Speaker 2: one O six point seven light FM. Amina del Rio, 103 00:04:56,760 --> 00:05:01,120 Speaker 2: you're also, as you mentioned, a first generation college student advocate. 104 00:05:01,160 --> 00:05:04,159 Speaker 2: You're a proud Brooklyn native. What is it about just 105 00:05:04,200 --> 00:05:06,240 Speaker 2: a personal question if you don't mind, What is it 106 00:05:06,279 --> 00:05:09,359 Speaker 2: about this role that made you decide to be a 107 00:05:09,400 --> 00:05:12,360 Speaker 2: student advocate? Can you talk a little bit about why 108 00:05:12,400 --> 00:05:14,400 Speaker 2: you made this your professional focus? 109 00:05:14,960 --> 00:05:17,320 Speaker 4: Of course, of course, so you know, at first I 110 00:05:17,560 --> 00:05:22,000 Speaker 4: wanted to go into the tech world until I got 111 00:05:22,040 --> 00:05:24,359 Speaker 4: to school and I noticed that there was a bunch 112 00:05:24,400 --> 00:05:27,320 Speaker 4: of students who had this, who come a similar background 113 00:05:27,320 --> 00:05:30,160 Speaker 4: as myself, but they necessarily have the support that I had. 114 00:05:30,440 --> 00:05:33,000 Speaker 4: I was support of a college prep program when growing up, 115 00:05:33,320 --> 00:05:35,599 Speaker 4: so seeing this, I wanted to find out how can 116 00:05:35,680 --> 00:05:38,840 Speaker 4: I increase college access and awareness to the young people 117 00:05:38,880 --> 00:05:41,000 Speaker 4: growing up that way, they don't make the same mistakes 118 00:05:41,000 --> 00:05:43,240 Speaker 4: that other people are making. How can we get them 119 00:05:43,279 --> 00:05:45,520 Speaker 4: ahead of the curve and help them have a successful 120 00:05:45,560 --> 00:05:46,360 Speaker 4: college experience. 121 00:05:47,000 --> 00:05:48,800 Speaker 2: You've addressed a couple of things, but I wonder if 122 00:05:48,800 --> 00:05:51,000 Speaker 2: you could talk more about some of the misconceptions about 123 00:05:51,000 --> 00:05:52,840 Speaker 2: the process that you want applicants to know. 124 00:05:54,000 --> 00:05:58,479 Speaker 4: One big misconception is that, you know, when applying early 125 00:05:58,560 --> 00:06:02,279 Speaker 4: decision some students may feel like their senior year grades 126 00:06:02,360 --> 00:06:05,359 Speaker 4: don't matter anymore. But that's not true at all. You know, like, 127 00:06:05,480 --> 00:06:09,279 Speaker 4: once students are accepted, they have to submit their final transcripts, 128 00:06:09,279 --> 00:06:12,520 Speaker 4: and schools they do review those transcripts and they can 129 00:06:12,560 --> 00:06:15,720 Speaker 4: easily adjust any scholarships or even rescind the offer if 130 00:06:15,760 --> 00:06:19,560 Speaker 4: their grades are to drop significantly. But also, I want 131 00:06:19,560 --> 00:06:23,000 Speaker 4: to go back to that fear of having to be perfect. 132 00:06:23,120 --> 00:06:24,839 Speaker 4: You know a lot of young people they think that 133 00:06:24,880 --> 00:06:27,799 Speaker 4: they need all straight a's in every class to be competitive, 134 00:06:27,839 --> 00:06:31,719 Speaker 4: but that's not always the case. Colleges are valuing more 135 00:06:31,880 --> 00:06:34,839 Speaker 4: rigor and growth, so sometimes a mix of a's and 136 00:06:34,920 --> 00:06:38,720 Speaker 4: b's in a truly challenging course can show more about 137 00:06:38,720 --> 00:06:41,679 Speaker 4: the student's work ethic than their willingness and their willingness 138 00:06:41,680 --> 00:06:44,359 Speaker 4: to push through than getting all a's and classes that 139 00:06:44,440 --> 00:06:45,200 Speaker 4: don't stretch them. 140 00:06:45,680 --> 00:06:48,119 Speaker 2: How would a school look at a student who maybe 141 00:06:48,160 --> 00:06:50,800 Speaker 2: had some trouble in their earlier years of high school 142 00:06:50,800 --> 00:06:53,680 Speaker 2: and then really sort of focuses and bears down at 143 00:06:53,680 --> 00:06:55,120 Speaker 2: the end. How would they look at that arc? 144 00:06:56,279 --> 00:06:58,280 Speaker 3: Yeah, so schools really look at it holistically. 145 00:06:58,279 --> 00:07:00,480 Speaker 4: They look at the grades that are students from when 146 00:07:00,480 --> 00:07:02,520 Speaker 4: they first enter high school up until when they're finishing 147 00:07:02,520 --> 00:07:04,680 Speaker 4: in high school. They like at the extracurriculus that are 148 00:07:04,680 --> 00:07:06,840 Speaker 4: student if they evolved in just show how is a 149 00:07:06,880 --> 00:07:11,600 Speaker 4: student balancing their academics and their extracurriculous They also want 150 00:07:11,600 --> 00:07:14,280 Speaker 4: to see it talked about in the college essay kind 151 00:07:14,280 --> 00:07:16,640 Speaker 4: of like speak on what happened during that time period 152 00:07:17,000 --> 00:07:19,840 Speaker 4: that caused those grades to be low and what did 153 00:07:19,880 --> 00:07:22,160 Speaker 4: you do to increase those grades and show that effort 154 00:07:22,200 --> 00:07:22,640 Speaker 4: over time. 155 00:07:23,440 --> 00:07:25,080 Speaker 2: So the Fresh Air Fund, let's get back to the 156 00:07:25,120 --> 00:07:28,320 Speaker 2: program that you helm. The Fresh Air Fund hosts workshops 157 00:07:28,360 --> 00:07:30,840 Speaker 2: and weekly mentoring sessions. Tell us about those. 158 00:07:31,720 --> 00:07:35,040 Speaker 4: Yeah, so we host weekly sessions on Wednesdays every week. 159 00:07:35,280 --> 00:07:38,120 Speaker 4: The sessions are divided up by their class year, so 160 00:07:38,160 --> 00:07:40,640 Speaker 4: we start in tenth grade and go up to twelfth grade. 161 00:07:40,920 --> 00:07:42,280 Speaker 3: Our tenth grade focus. 162 00:07:42,080 --> 00:07:43,840 Speaker 4: Is more about building those skills that are needed to 163 00:07:43,880 --> 00:07:47,640 Speaker 4: succeed in college. The eleventh grade focus is being introduced 164 00:07:47,680 --> 00:07:49,800 Speaker 4: to the college process while starting early on some of 165 00:07:49,800 --> 00:07:53,400 Speaker 4: those things like building a college essay, building those their resume, 166 00:07:53,480 --> 00:07:56,280 Speaker 4: and gaining those references. While in twelfth grade we are 167 00:07:56,320 --> 00:07:58,960 Speaker 4: solely in the process. Now, the applications are getting submitted, 168 00:07:58,960 --> 00:08:01,400 Speaker 4: the financial lead is getting minute, We're doing research on 169 00:08:01,480 --> 00:08:05,320 Speaker 4: outside scholarships. How can we best get you to school 170 00:08:05,520 --> 00:08:07,680 Speaker 4: and leave school with as less loans as possible. 171 00:08:08,040 --> 00:08:11,320 Speaker 2: Who is in charge of these sessions? Are they volunteers? 172 00:08:11,560 --> 00:08:15,360 Speaker 2: Are they people who are again in direct contact with schools. 173 00:08:15,720 --> 00:08:18,480 Speaker 4: Yeah, So we have a team of volunteer mentors and 174 00:08:18,520 --> 00:08:22,600 Speaker 4: we have about twelve different groups between twelfth and tenth grade, 175 00:08:22,800 --> 00:08:25,560 Speaker 4: and inside each group, we have about three mentors in 176 00:08:25,640 --> 00:08:28,080 Speaker 4: each and they really go over the curriculum that my 177 00:08:28,200 --> 00:08:31,480 Speaker 4: team creates with a little personal experience from their college 178 00:08:31,520 --> 00:08:32,319 Speaker 4: application days. 179 00:08:32,480 --> 00:08:35,400 Speaker 2: Then let's talk about volunteering and opportunities for that. What 180 00:08:35,520 --> 00:08:37,200 Speaker 2: kind of people would be best at this? 181 00:08:38,480 --> 00:08:41,720 Speaker 4: Definitely folks who have went to college or even trade schools, 182 00:08:41,720 --> 00:08:44,760 Speaker 4: who know some information about that process. Folks who have 183 00:08:44,840 --> 00:08:49,360 Speaker 4: started in their careers and we don't really look at age. 184 00:08:49,440 --> 00:08:51,520 Speaker 4: It could be anybody from the young crowd to the 185 00:08:51,520 --> 00:08:54,000 Speaker 4: older crowd, anybody who has that experience and can share 186 00:08:54,040 --> 00:08:55,400 Speaker 4: some insight to our young people. 187 00:08:55,720 --> 00:08:58,360 Speaker 2: How can students apply for the program and who is eligible? 188 00:09:00,000 --> 00:09:02,920 Speaker 4: College Connections program is designed specifically for young people who 189 00:09:03,000 --> 00:09:04,400 Speaker 4: have been a part of of the Fresh Air Fund 190 00:09:04,400 --> 00:09:07,520 Speaker 4: summer programs. So once students have spent a summer with us, 191 00:09:07,559 --> 00:09:10,800 Speaker 4: they become eligible to apply for the College Connections Program. 192 00:09:11,000 --> 00:09:13,520 Speaker 4: Once they become of age, we will invite them to 193 00:09:13,640 --> 00:09:16,080 Speaker 4: join our program and then our team will guide them 194 00:09:16,080 --> 00:09:19,120 Speaker 4: through the process of some of the application for this program. 195 00:09:19,200 --> 00:09:21,439 Speaker 2: What kind of feedback have you gotten from students and 196 00:09:21,520 --> 00:09:24,679 Speaker 2: schools about their experience in this process. Is that you 197 00:09:25,000 --> 00:09:27,000 Speaker 2: receive feedback you can actually put into practice. 198 00:09:28,320 --> 00:09:30,400 Speaker 4: Yes, we have, we have. So what we have We 199 00:09:30,440 --> 00:09:32,440 Speaker 4: have a new program. Well it's not so now. It 200 00:09:32,480 --> 00:09:34,400 Speaker 4: came out a couple of years ago. It's called the 201 00:09:34,760 --> 00:09:38,960 Speaker 4: College Brich program, kind of helping students transition from the 202 00:09:39,440 --> 00:09:42,280 Speaker 4: high school environment and academics. 203 00:09:41,720 --> 00:09:42,600 Speaker 3: Into the college environment. 204 00:09:42,640 --> 00:09:45,120 Speaker 4: Academics, and we use the feedback that we get from 205 00:09:45,160 --> 00:09:47,640 Speaker 4: current students to help shape that program and what can 206 00:09:47,679 --> 00:09:50,679 Speaker 4: we teach students now that way, it's not a roadblock 207 00:09:50,760 --> 00:09:52,520 Speaker 4: or hindrance when they get to college. 208 00:09:52,800 --> 00:09:56,160 Speaker 2: So what are the deadlines We're having this conversation over Thanksgiving? 209 00:09:56,200 --> 00:09:58,560 Speaker 2: What are the deadlines that parents and kids are looking 210 00:09:58,600 --> 00:09:59,079 Speaker 2: at now? 211 00:10:00,080 --> 00:10:03,520 Speaker 4: Definitely the round two of early decision. The early decision 212 00:10:03,720 --> 00:10:06,720 Speaker 4: is in two parts, and that second deadline is coming 213 00:10:06,800 --> 00:10:11,439 Speaker 4: up early in January along with the regular decision in January. 214 00:10:11,600 --> 00:10:14,839 Speaker 4: So definitely get our applications in. I would say by 215 00:10:14,880 --> 00:10:17,880 Speaker 4: mid January. That's the point they're like to pay attention to. 216 00:10:18,480 --> 00:10:20,480 Speaker 2: How long in advance of the deadline should you really 217 00:10:20,480 --> 00:10:22,720 Speaker 2: start working on the process in earnest? 218 00:10:23,240 --> 00:10:25,240 Speaker 3: Well, you know, no time is ever too early. 219 00:10:25,840 --> 00:10:28,559 Speaker 4: So what we do in this program the fresh and 220 00:10:28,640 --> 00:10:31,360 Speaker 4: fund Gate students starting on their application process during their 221 00:10:31,400 --> 00:10:33,760 Speaker 4: junior year. So I would suggest that junior year is 222 00:10:33,800 --> 00:10:36,920 Speaker 4: when they can start developing their college essays, acting for 223 00:10:36,960 --> 00:10:40,920 Speaker 4: those recommendations, and solilifying that list. That way, by time 224 00:10:41,280 --> 00:10:44,160 Speaker 4: August comes around, we are ready to submit applications. 225 00:10:44,640 --> 00:10:47,040 Speaker 2: And as far as recommendations go, Since you mentioned it 226 00:10:47,400 --> 00:10:51,960 Speaker 2: who's recommendations might carry more weight in the admissions process. 227 00:10:52,679 --> 00:10:55,600 Speaker 4: Definitely, people in the academic sentences that know the student 228 00:10:55,720 --> 00:10:59,040 Speaker 4: more personally, knows about their journey from when they starting 229 00:10:59,040 --> 00:11:01,040 Speaker 4: in the high school up until now, the growth that 230 00:11:01,120 --> 00:11:02,920 Speaker 4: they could talk about. So I would say they just 231 00:11:02,920 --> 00:11:07,760 Speaker 4: select somebody from the academic institutions, a teacher who knows them. 232 00:11:08,600 --> 00:11:10,959 Speaker 2: Since you've been doing this several years now, I wonder 233 00:11:10,960 --> 00:11:13,000 Speaker 2: if you have examples of students you've been able to 234 00:11:13,040 --> 00:11:16,199 Speaker 2: help who you've been particularly proud to see, really really 235 00:11:16,240 --> 00:11:17,400 Speaker 2: pleased with their growth. 236 00:11:19,120 --> 00:11:21,160 Speaker 3: Yes, there is. I have this one student. His name 237 00:11:21,240 --> 00:11:21,640 Speaker 3: is Eric. 238 00:11:21,960 --> 00:11:24,679 Speaker 4: He started in our summer program when I was a 239 00:11:24,679 --> 00:11:27,000 Speaker 4: camp counselor, so I kind of have the opportunity to 240 00:11:27,040 --> 00:11:29,880 Speaker 4: see him grow up from the age nine up until nineteen. 241 00:11:29,960 --> 00:11:31,280 Speaker 3: From now watching him. 242 00:11:31,160 --> 00:11:33,400 Speaker 4: Grow in our camp space, then entering this program and 243 00:11:33,440 --> 00:11:37,000 Speaker 4: seeing how this program really helped him develop into a 244 00:11:37,040 --> 00:11:39,840 Speaker 4: young professional, and now going off the college again these 245 00:11:39,880 --> 00:11:42,600 Speaker 4: opportunities and these internships that he's going to offer invited 246 00:11:42,640 --> 00:11:45,640 Speaker 4: to study abroad. His growth really makes me smile and 247 00:11:45,880 --> 00:11:47,360 Speaker 4: he's like the reason why I do the work that 248 00:11:47,400 --> 00:11:47,600 Speaker 4: I do. 249 00:11:47,679 --> 00:11:51,079 Speaker 2: Now, Is there anything you'd like people or students in particular. 250 00:11:51,120 --> 00:11:53,040 Speaker 2: I guess to take away from this conversation and about 251 00:11:53,040 --> 00:11:55,600 Speaker 2: the application process and what's available to them at fresh 252 00:11:55,640 --> 00:11:56,040 Speaker 2: Air fund. 253 00:11:56,600 --> 00:11:58,360 Speaker 4: So I would like students to know that they don't 254 00:11:58,360 --> 00:12:00,480 Speaker 4: have to do this alone. There's a team with people 255 00:12:00,520 --> 00:12:02,560 Speaker 4: behind you. Disappointing you whether you know it or not. 256 00:12:03,240 --> 00:12:05,679 Speaker 4: All it takes is a question. Ask the questions you need, 257 00:12:05,760 --> 00:12:08,240 Speaker 4: seek the gudness you need, and what you need you 258 00:12:08,280 --> 00:12:08,679 Speaker 4: will have. 259 00:12:09,760 --> 00:12:13,320 Speaker 2: Bentley Gordon is director of the College Connections program. You 260 00:12:13,360 --> 00:12:16,040 Speaker 2: can find out more at fresh air dot org. Thank 261 00:12:16,080 --> 00:12:18,120 Speaker 2: you for joining us and happy holidays. 262 00:12:18,520 --> 00:12:19,959 Speaker 3: Thank you, Happy holidays. I do your work. 263 00:12:20,960 --> 00:12:23,960 Speaker 1: This has been get connected with Nina del Rio on 264 00:12:23,960 --> 00:12:26,720 Speaker 1: one oh six point seven light Fm. The views and 265 00:12:26,760 --> 00:12:29,480 Speaker 1: opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the views 266 00:12:29,480 --> 00:12:31,560 Speaker 1: of the station. If you missed any part of our 267 00:12:31,600 --> 00:12:33,959 Speaker 1: show or want to share it, visit our website for 268 00:12:34,080 --> 00:12:37,040 Speaker 1: downloads and podcasts at one oh six to seven lightfm 269 00:12:37,080 --> 00:12:39,160 Speaker 1: dot com. Thanks for listening.