Brigitte
Hollins University Class of 2025

Community Bridges is an organization that provides me an opportunity to gain confidence and grow. I’ve been able to dive into deep discussions with girls my age about racism, colorism, mental health, and other issues that plague us every single day. I’m not given this space in school especially during the pandemic so as a Black woman being a part of CB has allowed me to share my thoughts and cope with the distress occurring in our world today. This year, because I was a part of CB, I was able to celebrate Valentine’s Day with my friends virtually. The party bag of gifts the CB staff brought me was a great surprise, I was so happy. The Valentine’s Day party reminded me that I need to set time for myself. I’m always keeping myself busy and tend to forget that I need to treat myself. My experience in the Girls Program has also helped me understand what to expect from others and how they treat me.

During the past months I’ve been in constant contact with my mentor and she has done nothing less but express care and support for me. I’ve been able to read “The Girl’s Guide to Growth Mindset” by D.Ed Kendra Coates. She’s always making time to help me whether it’s driving me to a Prestige Portraits studio to take my Senior Photos or Brookside Gardens in May to watch the CB Career Summit online in an outdoors setting.

When I first joined CB I didn’t know there was a College and Career program and I also didn’t know I needed so much help. Every Monday, I would join a zoom session with Ms. Bailey and Ms. De Angeli and they would guide me on what steps I need to take that week so I’ll be able to submit a completed college application on time. Through their leadership, I’ve already won so many scholarships, one being the Blair Alumni Association scholarship from my high school.

I’m excited to be attending Hollins University in the fall because after being a part of Community Bridges this year, I know I’ll be nurtured and supported residing in a small all-women liberal arts school for the next four years.