Happy November!

Our high school juniors interviewed first-generation college graduates, many of whom are from Passaic and are now further along in their professional careers. Our junior Fellows presented takeaways from these interviews at the Full Group Meeting.

One Fellow reflected:



"There was a lot to take away from all of these people who were interviewed and who were students just like us. It puts into perspective that we can succeed as well just like they did as long as we strive to become better. All of the professionals who were interviewed are inspirations for us, and I'm very thankful for all of them."

A College Student Leader also reflected on the session:

"I always like hearing about the juniors and what they learned from their professionals. Talking to others outside of your bubble is important because you will encounter people who are different than you. I think it was also important to note that the juniors learned that there is no "one" or "right" path to college."

Our high school seniors are doing the hard work of filling out financial aid applications, college applications, and scholarship applications. It's hard! So our social work interns, Nikki and Sussex, together with Program Resource Fellow Ayana ran a session on rejection, competition, and wellness to keep them feeling supported!

One Fellow reflected:

"I really enjoyed how we discussed rejection and how to cope with it and comparing ourselves with others and how to stray away from that mindset. I learned some new strategies and helpful tips. We also viewed a presentation about self-care and strategies to help deal with overwhelming situations. In this meeting I realized how much easier I should be on myself and remember that I am human and my emotions are valid!"

One College Student Leader reflected:

"I loved the discussion and particularly a comment about how comparison is the thief of joy, so we must be cognizant of the thoughts that lead us down that road, so we can address them appropriately. Sometimes, we don't even notice when we compare ourselves to others. That comment really demonstrated the importance of this meeting as a training to identify and mitigate such thought patterns."

FAFSA Preparation!

Some of our seniors have or will fill out the CSS Profile, which is a financial aid application required by certain higher education institutions.

Everyone will still need to complete the FAFSA, but it's not yet open, so in the meantime, seniors will begin the process by setting up their FAFSA IDs!

Families will also need IDs, so stay tuned for more information!

Ask a Question

There's no such thing as a stupid question. Ask anything and everything by going to this form. Don't be shy! bit.ly/AskMTB

Question: MTB Computers?

Question: Do students need to return their MTB computers?

Answer: No!

Computers are critical for success in higher education. MTB partners with a company called Revivn to be sure all our high school and college students have access to the digital devices they need.

If an MTB computer breaks, we can usually replace it quickly. And after a student leaves MTB, the device is theirs to keep!

Question: College Visits?

Question: Does MTB arrange for college visits?

Answer: Not right now!

Some of our students want to go to school locally. Others decide to go away from home, and they may decide to attend a school they have never visited (which is totally fine). We support our students in recognizing their options and choices. We don't have the resources, however, to support college visits.

However, we do encourage our High School Fellows to take advantage of the many opportunities that colleges provide for visits. Some schools offer Fly-In Programs (usually in the fall of senior year). These programs require an application, and students can be invited to visit (with all travel expenses paid). These programs are a great way to visit a college and make connections (and there is no requirement to attend or even apply to that school).

We are excited that Nelsie recently attended a Fly-In Program at the University of Pennsylvania. Listen to Nelsie discuss why she chose to apply, what the application was like, and what she learned during her visit.

Coming Soon - Mark Your Planner!

On Monday, January 15, at 12-2 (Mt. Zion Church in Passaic), we have an amazing guest speaker!

Andrea Navedo is coming to Passaic to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with us and share her story of challenges and success as, among other things, a first-generation college student.

All students will receive a copy of the book in advance of the event. Stay tuned for more details!

Our fourth Full Group Meeting is on Saturday, December 16, at 10 AM (Zoom).

Families, this month you can expect your students to talk about their college plans. This is a required MTB task!

Here's a tip from Leader Ashley (former MTB High School Fellow and now College Student Leader): If possible, try to sit down together for this conversation.

Be prepared for some important but challenging questions about taxes, finances, and the possibility of going away for college!

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