Jordyn Sanders, Greenwood High School

Jordyn Sanders is a dedicated junior who plans to attend the University of South Carolina–Columbia after graduating high school in 2027. She believes higher education is a valuable opportunity to expand knowledge and become the best version of yourself. While success can be achieved without a degree, Jordyn recognizes that higher education provides resources and opportunities that help students thrive. 

She encourages her peers to start their essays early and prepare for the college application process by using tools such as the CommonApp. Jordyn plans to pursue a career in the medical field, with a strong interest in speech pathology. Her passion for helping others grew from her experiences assisting several aging family members, inspiring her to give back to the community through hands-on service. One of Jordyn’s greatest goals is to gain meaningful experience that allows her to make a lasting difference in the lives of others. 

Grace Tharp, Spring Hill High School

Grace Tharp is a senior who plans to attend either Wofford College or North Greenville University to pursue a degree in Biology with a concentration in Environmental Science. Inspired by her lifelong love of learning and nature, Grace is determined to follow a career path that allows her to make a meaningful impact on the world as a scientist. She believes that higher education is the key to success and the best path to creating change. 

Throughout her college preparation, Grace has taken the SAT, begun her college essay, and started her scholarship search. This process has taught her valuable lessons in time management, efficiency, and resilience. She encourages other students not to be overwhelmed by the college application journey, reminding them that planning, support, and perseverance make the process easier. Creating a resume, visiting colleges, and seeking guidance from parents, teachers, counselors, and older students are all strategies Grace recommends for staying on track and reducing stress. 

In addition to her academic pursuits, Grace is the captain of her varsity lacrosse team, serves on the executive board of her student council, and has dedicated the past two years to volunteering at a wildlife center. She is excited to serve as a College Process Ambassador, where she hopes to motivate her peers to embrace challenges, pursue higher education, and take bold steps toward their future.

Jaylia Whitfield, Kingstree High School

Jaylia Whitfield is a senior. She is the captain of her varsity cheerleading team—a role that reflects her leadership, dedication, and team spirit. She plans to attend a four-year college in South Carolina and pursue a career in nursing, driven by a desire to make a direct, positive impact on people’s lives, especially in underserved communities. Nursing appeals to her not only for the science behind it but also for the human connection involved in patient care, as well as the stability and growth potential in the healthcare field. 

Jaylia is currently in the middle stages of her college application process, having researched programs, prepared personal statements, and started submitting applications. Through this process, she has learned the importance of patience, organization, and seeking guidance from counselors and mentors to navigate deadlines and unique requirements effectively. 

Throughout high school, she has developed discipline and time management skills, balancing academics with extracurriculars like cheerleading and volunteering. Participation in diverse subjects and activities has strengthened her critical thinking and problem-solving skills, helping her approach challenges creatively and from multiple perspectives. 

She believes higher education is vital because it opens doors to knowledge, critical thinking, and career opportunities that might otherwise be inaccessible. It provides a structured environment to deepen understanding in a chosen field, develop specialized skills, and build a professional network. 

Jaylia is excited to serve as a College Process Ambassador, passionate about helping students who are beginning the college application journey and guiding them with the support she has gained through her own experience.

Da'shawn Bradley, W.J. Keenan High School

Da'shawn Bradley is a junior and a proud member of the W.J. Keenan Band. One of the biggest lessons he has learned throughout his K–12 education is that everyone has a community, and no one has to do things alone. School has taught him the importance of proper time management, completing assignments and projects on time, and not being afraid to ask for help in order to grow. 
 
After high school, Da'shawn plans to attend college to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. He believes that college provides value for everyone—not only through education and experience, but also through the people you meet along the way. To Da'shawn, higher education is an important step toward building a better future, and he hopes his journey will inspire others to recognize the unlimited potential that college can offer. 
 
As a member of the College Process Ambassador Cohort, Da'shawn believes he can contribute by showing others that anyone can start from anywhere at any time and still achieve great things. He knows he will accomplish something great one day and encourages others to believe in their own potential and pursue their dreams with confidence.

Kara Brown, Greer High School

Kara Brown is a senior. Her top choice for college is Clemson University, where she plans to major in biology on a pre-Physician Assistant (PA) track. Her ultimate goal is to work in pediatrics, providing a safe and supportive environment for children while addressing their medical needs. 
 
At school, Kara is actively involved in numerous clubs, including Leo Club, Beta Club, National English Honor Society, Chick-fil-A Leadership Academy, and more. She serves as the President of Mu Alpha Theta, an honors math club. Additionally, she is a Teacher Cadet at Chandler Creek Elementary School, where her experiences in kindergarten and 1st-grade classrooms have confirmed her passion for working with children. These experiences have further fueled her excitement to pursue a career in pediatrics. 
 
Kara is thrilled to serve as a College Process Ambassador, guiding students who may feel overwhelmed by the college process. She wants others to know that while attending college can be expensive, there are numerous resources available to help cover costs. Kara believes higher education is vital, providing access to career opportunities and long-term job security. 
 
She is excited to be part of the College Process Ambassador team and looks forward to helping shape the next generation of leaders.

Luke Waldhauer, North Augusta High School 

Luke Waldhauer is a senior who plans to pursue a major in Biology or Public Health on a pre-dental track. His long-term goal is to attend a four-year university for his undergraduate studies, followed by 4–6 additional years of schooling to become an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Luke’s passion for science began at an early age and was strengthened in high school after taking anatomy, where he developed a deep appreciation for the complexity of the human body and its physiology. 
 
Through the college application process, Luke has learned the importance of staying organized and planning ahead. He emphasizes that setting a clear schedule and working in advance allows students to make the most of opportunities, such as requesting strong recommendation letters or seeking feedback on essays. He encourages his peers to actively look for opportunities, noting that they are available to those who are willing to pursue them. For Luke, higher education is of the utmost importance—not only because it equips students with knowledge, but also because it reflects dedication, character, and perseverance. 
 
In addition to his academic goals, Luke was recently elected student body president at North Augusta High School, a role that allows him to serve his school and community in meaningful ways. He looks forward to continuing this spirit of service as a College Process Ambassador, helping his peers take steps toward higher education and future success.

Kennedy Hampton, Irmo High School International School for the Arts

Kennedy Hampton is a junior, serves as Junior Class President, and is the South Carolina Association of Student Councils District 3 Co-Chair. She is a part of Varsity basketball and volleyball teams and plays violin in the orchestra. 
 
She has taken the SAT and summed down her college options to include Furman University, Clemson University, College of Charleston, and the University of South Carolina. She plans to pursue a degree majoring in English, Political science, or Economics. She will later attend law school like Harvard, Duke, or the University of South Carolina to earn a Juris Doctorate. This path will allow her to later pursue a career as an attorney. 
 
Throughout high school so far, Kennedy has learned to balance academics with extracurriculars, developed leadership skills, and continued her passion for helping others. These experiences have prepared her for the next chapters of life. 
 
Her passion for law was shaped by her drive to stand up for people who are often overlooked or silenced. These experiences have strengthened her ability to balance time management, leadership, and perseverance, preparing her to thrive in both her academic and future career pursuits. 
 
For students going through the college process, her biggest piece of advice is to pick something you’re passionate about to pursue a future in. Stay true to you because your future is determined by you. She encourages others to pursue higher education as it can lead to many future opportunities. 

As a College Process Ambassador, Kennedy is excited to help guide students to choosing their futures and encourage them to explore their options. She looks forward to sharing her experience on selecting her path after high school.

Kensley Harrelson, Aynor High School

Kensley Harrelson is currently a senior with plans to pursue a degree in nursing and ultimately earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). As a College Process Ambassador, she is excited to serve her community and state by promoting awareness of college opportunities and scholarships. 

A fun fact about Kensley is that she is a member of the Aynor High School Varsity Cheerleading team. Cheerleading, along with her academic commitments, has taught her how to manage time, meet deadlines, and stay focused—even when challenges arise. These experiences have prepared her for the next chapter of life, as she applies to colleges, scholarships, and jobs with dedication, organization, and perseverance. 

Her passion for nursing was shaped by personal experiences as a patient, where she witnessed firsthand the compassion, skill, and dedication that nurses and doctors bring to their work. This inspired her to pursue a career in healthcare. Kensley has also been fortunate to volunteer at her local hospital in multiple units—including the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Progressive Care Unit (PCU), and the Emergency Room. Each opportunity gave her a deeper understanding of the demands and rewards of patient care, as well as the importance of teamwork in a hospital setting. 

For upcoming juniors and current seniors, Kensley’s biggest tip is to build a strong foundation before starting the college application process. Staying organized ensures that nothing important is overlooked and that deadlines are met. One of the most valuable lessons she has learned is to break the process into smaller, manageable steps. Trying to do everything at once can feel overwhelming, but focusing on one task at a time makes the journey much less stressful. 

As a College Process Ambassador, Kensley looks forward to serving her community and state by promoting awareness of college opportunities and scholarships.

Za’Lea Lomax, Ninety Six High School

Za’Lea Lomax is a senior. She is a competitive cheerleader and, fun fact, her favorite hobby is playing Fortnite. She plans to attend Claflin University to major in Political Science and minor in Economics, a field that will allow her to develop a deep understanding of government systems and the impact of law on communities. 

During her undergraduate years, she intends to immerse herself in leadership opportunities, internships, and community service projects to gain firsthand experience in public service. After earning her degree, she plans to prepare for the LSAT with the goal of enrolling in the University of South Carolina School of Law. Her ultimate goal is to pass the bar exam and practice constitutional law, focusing on protecting the rights and freedoms of individuals and strengthening infrastructure. 

Throughout high school, she has learned to take risks, seek opportunities, and see mistakes as part of growth. Confidence, once distant, has become something she builds every day. This mindset has prepared her for the steps ahead, allowing her to approach challenges with resilience and trust in her abilities. 

Za’Lea recently began the college application process using the Common Application and has found it to be a valuable learning experience. At first, the process felt overwhelming with its essays, sections, and deadlines, but she quickly realized the importance of patience and authenticity. She approaches applications as an opportunity to reflect on her experiences, goals, and values, ensuring her responses truly represent who she is. She hopes other students navigating this journey know that it’s okay to take their time and be thoughtful. She is confident that participating as a College Process Ambassador will empower her to achieve her goals and contribute positively to both the program and the wider community.

Lily Scheib, Greenville Technical Charter High School

Lily Scheib is a junior. While she is still exploring which college she will attend, her top choices are Clemson University and Penn State University. She plans to major in biology and eventually pursue a PhD, with hopes of contributing to the field of oncology—a passion inspired by her family’s personal experiences with cancer. 

At school, she is deeply involved in her community, participating in six clubs and organizations. She is a member of Students in Action (SIA), a youth-driven leadership program, and serves as vice president of Mu Alpha Theta, the math honors society. These experiences have taught her the value of leadership, teamwork, and seizing every opportunity to learn and grow. 

She is excited to serve as a College Process Ambassador, helping peers navigate the challenges of higher education. She wants to mentor others, share guidance, and show that with dedication, dreams are achievable. She believes higher education not only opens doors to endless career opportunities but also fosters critical thinking, responsibility, and lifelong learning. 

Fun fact: She plays both the piano and violin and has been playing piano since she was five!