I was recently connected to two exceptional young people who are dedicated to making the college application process more accessible for students everywhere. Isa Eribo is the founder and co-president and Sophia Sim is the co-president of The Career Compass Coalition. I’m thrilled to share their story here.
Liz: Let’s start in traditional Smile Project fashion. Give me a Happiness is.
Isa and Sophia: Happiness is finding fulfillment in helping others and knowing that our efforts make a difference.
Liz: Tell me about The Career Compass Coalition.
Isa and Sophia: The Career Compass Coalition is a youth-led nonprofit dedicated to making college application processes smooth and accessible for high school students, especially those who identify as low income or first-generation students. Using Google Classroom (we have 50 classroom sections), we provide a comprehensive range of resources designed to support our 12,000+ students every step of the way. From college essay assistance and guidance on developing impactful passion projects, to offering community service ideas and tips for creating successful school clubs, we ensure that students have all the tools they need. Additionally, we help students obtain valuable internship opportunities, enriching their experiences and enhancing their applications. Our mission is to empower students to navigate their paths to college with confidence and ease, fostering a generation of well-prepared and motivated future leaders.
Liz: What is the driving force behind what you do?
Isa and Sophia: The driving force behind what we do is the belief that every student deserves access to the resources they need to succeed, regardless of their background. We are passionate about leveling the educational playing field by promoting a platform that offers free resources to high school students worldwide. Our goal is to ensure that every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential, motivating over 12,000 students across more than 100 countries to be the best they can be.
Liz: What does service mean to you?
Isa and Sophia: To us, service means giving back to the community by sharing the knowledge and experiences we've gained with others. It's about using the tips and insights we've received from those who came before us and passing them on to others in a way that benefits them without any limits. True service is focused on helping others, ensuring that they have what they need to succeed, rather than seeking recognition for ourselves.
Liz: How can people get involved?
Isa and Sophia: People can get involved by joining our Google Classroom, which they can access through the invite link available on our website. People can also support our efforts by following us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok. Additionally, our Linktree contains extra resources for students that they can access for more assistance. For those who wish to contribute further, we have a donate tab on our website where 100% of our proceeds will go to buildOn, Pencils of Promise, and Room to Read.
Liz: Do you have a favorite quote or piece of advice to leave us with?
Isa and Sophia: Our 4 favorite quotes are:
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." Eleanor Roosevelt
“Never underestimate the investment you make in yourself.”
“You are the author of your own story. If you don’t like where this chapter is going, it’s okay to start a new one.”’
"We must remember that intelligence is not enough. Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education." Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Comments