From Mentee to Mentor

July 13, 2021

Alexandra Perez is a Motlow 2017 graduate with a degree in Criminal Justice. A hard worker with a drive to succeed, Alex attributes a great deal of her academic success to the support and encouragement she received at Motlow from program leaders, faculty, and her Tennessee Promise Mentor Debra Smith, Motlow Dean of Students. Now, Alex is paying it forward and becoming a mentor herself.

“I had a great mentor. She helped me understand how to navigate the college environment and learn to find the light in all situations,” Alex said.

Today Alex is a sales agent at Pegasus Property Management in Nashville. Despite her busy schedule and her focus on spending time with family, friends, and her dog Cleo, she decided to make time to become a TN Promise mentor and help students in the next cohort of learners.

TN Promise provides free tuition scholarships for eligible students to complete a two-year degree. Each Promise scholar is assigned a Mentor to encourage and support them as they navigate their college journey. More than 2,000 mentor volunteers are needed each year. The State encourages Tennessee citizens with degrees to use their own college experience to serve as a mentor and help those who are new to college. To become a mentor, visit TNAchieves.org.