From Applicant to Advocate: Inside the Life of a Student Turned College Transition Coach
Mohamed is developing a new set of professional and leadership skills as the College Transition Coach (CTC) at East Community High School, a CollegeBound Initiative partner school in Buffalo. Also known as Rob to his friends and teachers, he is balancing part-time work with attending the University at Buffalo as a first-generation college student. Let’s catch up with Rob for a behind-the-scenes look at college counseling at East!
What did you enjoy most about your high school environment?
I had many opportunities to balance academics with fun activities. During my time at East, I participated in Model UN, worked on the musical, was president of the anime club, served as treasurer and vice president of student government, and played varsity tennis. I was also in the CTE forensics program in my senior year, which was great. I knew I wanted to study Information Technology for my future, so I enjoyed having opportunities in high school to try out other things before college. My favorite parts of high school were definitely all of the instructors and friends I made there.
East Community High School Alumni Day 
Rob, third from left, and friends at their alma mater
Finding the Right College
What factors shaped your college discovery process?
I loved exploring college options through all of the fairs, rep visits, and trips that Mrs. Monahan, our Director of College Counseling, organized for us. I was in her office almost every day asking questions. I attended every single college fair in school, and tried to go on as many college trips as possible. Seeing the campuses and what college students are up to solidified for me the environment I wanted to be in. My parents immigrated from Malaysia to this country so that my siblings and I could have better educational opportunities. Doing well in school and attending college were always part of my plan because I knew I had to pay them back.
How did you decide where to apply to college?
I wanted to stay in Buffalo for college because I want to be close to the ones I love. I am the oldest of three siblings, including a baby sister. I remember talking with the University at Buffalo (UB) college admissions counselor at one of East’s college fairs to better understand the programs and resources they offer. After I applied and was accepted, UB offered a generous financial aid package, making it an easy decision to enroll. I also wanted to attend a big college so I could experience [the school culture] I see on TV. I am majoring in Information Technology Management because I aspire to work in cybersecurity after I graduate.
Going from a smaller school to a larger university requires some adjustments that I underestimated. Since I use public transit to get around, sometimes I have to plan for a lengthy commute and figure out how to make the most of my time. In general, I enjoy my time on campus, and after just one semester, I’m certain that UB was the best decision for me.
Stepping Up as a College Transition Coach to Guide Other Students
How did you become a College Transition Coach (CTC) at East?
Mrs. Monahan actually approached me after my graduation ceremony to invite me to apply for the role. I was still in my cap and gown when she came over to describe how CTCs in the CollegeBridge program support younger students with the college application process that I had just gone through myself. I think one of my strengths is my relatability, since I was well-known at my school and students feel comfortable coming to me with questions as a peer.
I was so excited when I got the job! It’s my first professional job, and I sometimes still feel like I’m a student back in high school. But I know I am here to do a job among people who knew me as a student or friend. Sometimes I have to set boundaries, like saying to a student, “Yes, we can hang out later, but right now I need you to fill out this financial aid form.”
What is one highlight of working in college counseling at your alma mater?
I really enjoy planning school events. For our annual Alumni Day, now I’m on the other side of the process, doing outreach to recent graduates, scheduling, and logistics. Seeing everything come together, with seniors talking to the alumni, was so fulfilling.
Summer program for rising seniors at Canisius University 
Helping to organize Alumni Day as part of the staff! 
Some of Buffalo’s College Transition Coaches (CTCs)
I also find supporting college field trips rewarding. The HBCU college fair trip included organizing two buses of students from across the Buffalo Public Schools district to travel out of state. All the students who went learned something useful about their college options. Plus, the kids love field trips, and having a meal at Golden Corral afterwards was a fun way to end the trip. Meeting so many new people and making connections is also something I really love about working with Student Leadership Network.
Advice for High School Students
Do you have any advice for high school students who are applying to college?
Once you’ve completed the college application process, including financial aid forms, continue to keep up with your grades. You still need to graduate, so don’t fall behind! For students deciding between college acceptances, carefully review the financial aid package. Getting into some reasonable amount of debt to get the education you want is okay, but if there is one college that gives you significantly more money than another for the same program, consider what makes more sense for you and your family’s situation.
