How One Hour Can Change Your Future!
The air was buzzing with a mixture of nerves and excitement. December 6th, 2024, marked another powerful Path to College Speed Interview Night — an event designed to give high school students invaluable real-world interview experience.
Among the ambitious participants was Shania Merius, Class of 2025, and this year’s celebrated PTC Student of the Year. Little did she know that this single hour would set off a ripple effect, profoundly shaping her path to college and beyond.
For three years, Shania faithfully participated in Speed Interview Night, each session building her confidence and sharpening her professional presence. Armed with a refined resume and poised demeanor, she engaged with six to seven dedicated professionals who volunteered their time to review, critique, and challenge her interview skills.
That night’s feedback, layered with years of preparation, became Shania’s secret weapon. She took every note to heart (analyzing her responses, body language, and delivery) all leading up to one of the most significant interviews of her academic career: the Andrea C. Cameron Scholarship panel.
Her preparation paid off. When Shania stepped into that interview, she radiated confidence. The poise, polish, and authenticity she displayed impressed the panel and reflected the deep impact of mentorship through Path to College.
The ripple effect of that single evening demonstrates how hands-on experiences and supportive mentors can transform potential into purpose. Shania’s story reminds us that sometimes, just one hour can create an unstoppable wave of positive change.
The Power of Gratitude in Networking
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou
When you’re starting out in your career, everyone emphasizes how important networking is (and it’s true)! Building connections helps you learn, find mentors, and open doors to new opportunities.
But let’s be honest: networking can feel awkward. It can seem like you’re asking for favors instead of building genuine relationships. That’s where gratitude comes in.
Practice Sending Thank You Letters
Approach networking with appreciation, not expectation. After a conversation, follow up with a thoughtful thank-you (i.e., a short note acknowledging their time, their insights, or something memorable they shared). Reference details, like a project they’re passionate about or advice they gave you.
Whether handwritten or digital, a sincere thank-you transforms a brief interaction into a lasting connection. Gratitude turns networking from a transaction into a relationship and one that’s rooted in respect, warmth, and authenticity.
💡Pro Tip: Keep a short list of people you’ve met recently and schedule reminders to check in or follow up. A simple “thinking of you” note can go a long way in nurturing meaningful professional connections.
Save the Date…
📅 Saturday, January 24th, 2026
Join us as we celebrate our students, mentors, and community at the Shine & Dine Gala — an evening that honors the power of opportunity and the people who make it possible.
Even if you can’t attend, you can still be part of the celebration by helping us spread the word or cheering on our honorees online.
Key Takeaway
Like Shania, each of us has moments that create ripples or small actions that build lasting impact. This month, challenge yourself to lead with gratitude and invest in connection.
You never know which conversation, thank-you note, or hour of your time could change someone’s future (or your own).
Until next time, lead on!
-Path to College
