When Christina Miller entered our Workforce Prep Mentoring Program as a high school sophomore, she had goals for her future. What she lacked was confidence that she could achieve them.
She was navigating personal challenges and trying to find her footing during a difficult time.
Today, Christina (pictured, right) is the first person in her family to attend college. This fall, she’ll begin studying neuroscience at Wayne State University while pursuing her dream of becoming an anesthesiologist.
“The difference,” she says, “is that someone helped me see what I was capable of before I could see it myself.”
“Back then I was going through a lot with my family and with school,” Christina said. “I struggled with anxiety and nervousness. When I joined Winning Futures, my anxiety started to calm down, and I learned how to manage it.”
With the guidance of volunteer Career Mentor Laura Tiesler and the encouragement she received during our sessions, Christina shifted her focus from the challenges around her to the future she wanted to build.
“Coming to Winning Futures meetings took my mind off everything,” she said. “It helped me focus on what really mattered – having success in my life.”
Christina also credits her faith with helping her persevere. Raised in the church, she says believing in God gave her hope during difficult moments and reminded her to keep moving forward, even when she couldn’t see the path ahead.
Laura also challenged Christina to see strengths she didn’t recognize in herself.
“I didn’t realize how disciplined I could be,” Christina said. “She helped me understand that once I put my mind to something, I’m capable of accomplishing it.”
That lesson proved invaluable. Christina wanted to earn college credit through an associate degree program while still in high school but doubted she was qualified.
“I realized I already had everything I needed,” she said. “I just didn’t believe in myself.”
She applied, was accepted, and successfully completed all of her college coursework.
Christina’s growth earned her a 2026 Cupp-Hamilton Scholarship. At our Scholarship Celebration, she reflected on how much she had grown through the program.
“I learned the importance of setting goals, managing my time, building professional skills, and believing in my ability to succeed,” she said. “Laura consistently encouraged me to think bigger, stay focused, and remain committed to my goals.”
“This scholarship means more than financial support,” she added. “It represents opportunity, growth, and belief that hard work and dedication can lead to greater things.”
Laura has seen Christina’s transformation firsthand.
“It has been a privilege to watch Christina’s confidence grow to match the courage and discipline she always had within her,” Laura said.
One lesson Christina will carry with her came directly from Laura.
“Even when you’re weak, you’re still strong,” Christina said. “She taught me that even if today is hard, tomorrow I can be stronger as long as I keep trying.”
Looking back, Christina believes every young person deserves what our program gave her: someone who believes in them.
“It’s important to know you have people supporting you,” she said. “People who’ve already been through similar situations and can help you get where you want to be.”
For Laura, that support was equally meaningful.
“Mentorship is often seen as a one-way street, but my experience with Christina proved it’s a shared journey,” she said. “It has made me a better leader at work and a more thoughtful parent.”
For the volunteers and supporters who make our program possible, Christina’s journey is a reminder that mentorship helps students discover strengths they didn’t know they possessed, believe in what’s possible, and build the confidence to create brighter futures.
Learn more about our Workforce Prep Program and how our volunteer Career Mentors empower students.