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A Follow-Up Report...
"Transitioning From High School to College"

A Circle of Women mentors and encourages young women to pursue their education. Statistics reveal that many female students do not make the transition from high school to college and leave in their first year. Some return closer to home and choose a smaller college experience; others drop out and get a job.

We understand the enormous changes including moving away from home, social and academic pressures, and just plain, being on your own. These changes can cause our young women overwhelming challenges.

Transitioning from high school to college is our way of partnering an experienced female adult with a young college student, providing them with a support system that will enable them to move through these challenges more successfully.

If you are interested in someone to help acclimate to your new college experience, please do get in touch with us. We would be happy to support your new life adventure!


Our Guest Speakers...

Amy Besaw, Harvard University

Amy L. Besaw is Director of the Honoring Nations program at the Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development housed in the John F. Kennedy School of Government. Started in 1998, Honoring Nations identifies, celebrates, and shares outstanding examples of tribal government programs, practices, and initiatives that are especially effective in addressing key needs, problems, and challenges facing American Indian nations. Ms. Besaw also serves on the Board of Directors for the Northwest Indian College Foundation. Previously, she was a Research Associate at the Harvard Project in the area of family strengthening and an Administrative Fellow at the Harvard University Native American Program. Ms. Besaw was also a consultant in the areas of team building and organizational leadership. Ms. Besaw is Brothertown Indian and Korean. She was raised in a military family and has lived around the world, including her parents’ homelands. Her mother is from Kwangju, South Korea and her father is from Gresham, Wisconsin. Ms. Besaw received a BA in Business Administration from University of Washington, MA in Organizational Leadership from Chapman University, and an EdM in Human Development and Psychology from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education. She assists in the instruction and teaching of Honoring Nations classes with Professor Joseph P. Kalt.


Jacqueline M. Jones, Massasoit Community College

Jacqueline "Jaki" Jones is a graduate of Simmons College where she received a B.A. Degree in English with a minor in Communications. She is also a graduate of Northeastern University School of Law. After practicing law in the area of low-income tenant representation and government benefits, Ms. Jones made a career change to education, particularly working with those that believe educational opportunities are not available to them. Since 1998 she has been at Massasoit Community College where she coordinates outreach activities for the Admissions Office for multicultural and nontraditional students. She serves as a motivational speaker and workshop presenter for student events both on and off campus. In addition, she is also an adjunct faculty member of the English Department. She serves on several boards in the Brockton area including the Mayor’s Community Advisory Committee, Southeastern Regional Voke Tech Health Careers, Community Connections of Brockton, Brockton 5 Promise Team for Effective Education, and (Massasoit) President’s Community Advisory Council. Ms. Jones has a passion for education, civic engagement and African-American culture. She has been able to participate in all three as a member since 1977 of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. the oldest sorority in the world for women of color. Ms. Jones believes that pursuing your passion allows you to live your life.


Liliana Mickle, UMASS Boston

Liliana has been the Director of Undergraduate Admissions UMass Boston since 1997 where she has worked for 23 years in a variety of different positions; graduate of Boston public school, holds two degrees from UMass Boston bachelor’s in computer science, master’s in education and is enrolled in the doctoral Higher Education program. She is a member of the College Board Regional Council, served on NEACRAO planning committee and past co-chair of Reverse College Day. Ms. Mickle also serves on the Board of Directors for Comprehensive School-Age Parenting Program, the Advisory Council for the Teri College Access, and Senior Consultant for E. Wallace Coyle & Associates. Liliana has presented for both professional and educational associations.



Meet the Panel...



April Youpee-Rolle, Harvard University ‘08

A Sociology major, April is also the President of Native Americans at Harvard College, where she serves as liaison between students, the College administration, and the media. She is excited to be involved with A Circle of Women, to share her experiences, and learn from others as well. She says, "This organization seems to provide many opportunities for women of all ages to explore and take advantage of the strength of both their diversity and share experiences in powerful growth and networking opportunities."


Lindsay Van Clief, Wheaton College ‘09

At Wheaton, Lindsay studies Religion, Anthropology, and Women’s Studies. She is the President of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Trans gender Alliance, a Resident Advisor, and a Tour Guide. Lindsay is the Manager at the Technology Support Center, which she claims is a great way to earn money while doing homework. She feels that A Circle of Women is a great asset to the community and a building block for women in the state and country.


Astrid Gilles, Stonehill College ‘07

Originally from Boston, Astrid is graduating with a degree in Healthcare Administration. From there, she hopes to pursue a career in Public Health or Human Resources Management then make the transition to nursing. She is involved in a lot of activities on campus including the being the founder of the African Step Team, and President of Diversity on Campus. She is the youngest, the only girl in her family and the first of her siblings to complete college.


Alison Hopkins, Stonehill College ‘07

Ali recently returned from a service trip in Peru. She has been a Resident Staff Assistant at Stonehill for 3 years, and prefers working with first years because they are "very enthusiastic and idealistic about college, which is fun to be around." She is a Consultant at the Writing Center, and Legal Research Intern at the Center for Nonprofit Management. Ali is a double major in Spanish and Political Science.


Laura Blanchard, Wheaton College ‘08

Laura is a double major at Wheaton, studying Psychology and Elementary Education. She is the President of BACCHUS, an alcohol awareness group that promotes responsible drinking and alternative activities to drinking. She is a Resident Advisor, and an Academic Mentor for Freshman. She joins the panel today to encourage first year students to get involved in extra-curricular activities, and to offer advice on paying for college and tips to reduce the stress of college tuition.


Stesha Joseph, Massasoit Community College

Stesha is in her second year at Massasoit, where she studies Science and Liberal Arts. She is the Secretary and Club Coordinator of the Student Senate, a member of Phi Theta Kappa, and President of the Massasoit Toastmasters Club. Stesha is also a member of the NCBI Diversity Group, and President of the International Touch Club, which reaches out to International students to make them feel comfortable and help them adapt to a new country.


Special Thanks to our Sponsors:

SHUP South Shore Haitians United for Progress, Jon L. Jenmarc Educational Consultants, Sovereign Bank and Metro South Chamber of Commerce. Thank you to all our Guest Speakers and Panelists, Alyce Burke, Jimmy Lockett, John Black, The Shaw’s Center, all our volunteers, our High School Liaisons, and all our college bound girls.

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