Mariah Opager

Why do you do this work?
I believe in empowering students to live a life of choice, complete with the skills and knowledge necessary to be able to take advantage of opportunities throughout their lives.

In your view, what is the value of successfully completing higher education?
Completing higher education requires that students have an ongoing dialogue with themselves about what they want, what they are willing to do to achieve it, and what resources are available to facilitate their journey. College is a place to practice skills of accurate self-evaluation and sound decision-making, which can help students overcome many of the obstacles they might face in the future.

What is the best piece of advice you received about college?  While you were in college?
I was always a big procrastinator until I had a friend tell me “the sooner you start, the sooner you finish.” And they were right! Being able to complete assignments ahead of time resulted in better grades, less stress, and more free time for me. It’s a philosophy I adhere to even to this day.