College Advising Corps

• Emphasizes a near-peer model so advisers are close in age to the students they serve.
• Works in partnership with colleges and universities across the state, drawing on their infrastructure and resources.
• Serves the whole high school, rather than a cohort of particular students, to foster a school-wide college-going culture.
• Participate in a national external evaluation to quantitatively measure outcomes and qualitative results.
• Focuses on best-fit colleges, encouraging students to attend schools that will serve them well both academically and socially.

In order to comply with the National College Advising Corps “near-peer” advising model, all adviser candidates must meet these requirements in order to be considered for employment:

• Advisers should have a successful academic record.
• Advisers are hired for a one-year service commitment with an option to be re-hired for a second year. Advisers cannot serve with the Advising Corps for more than two years.
• Advisers must demonstrate a commitment to public service as evidenced by previous work in the community and/or among the targeted populations.
• Duke advisers receive intensive training before serving in a high school, completing a five-week practical curriculum that focuses on college access, college admissions, financial aid, student services, diversity, community service, and professionalism.

• Bartlett-Yancey High School (Caswell County Schools)
• Cedar Ridge High School (Orange County Schools)
• CE Jordan High School (Durham County Schools)
• Clinton High School (Sampson County Schools)
• City of Medicine Academy  (Durham County Schools)
• Garner Magnet High School (Wake County Schools)
• Hobbton High School (Sampson County Schools)
• J.D. Clement Early College (Durham County Schools)
• Knightdale High School of Collaborative Design (Wake County Schools)
• Lakewood High School (Sampson County Schools)
• Lee County High School (Lee County Schools)
• Midway High School (Sampson County Schools)
• North Johnston High School (Johnston County Schools)
• Northern High School (Durham  County Schools)
• Orange High School (Orange County Schools)
• Person High School (Person County Schools)
• Richmond Early College (Richmond County Schools)
• Richmond Senior High School (Richmond County Schools)
• Riverside High School (Durham County Schools)
• Smithfield-Selma High School (Johnston County Schools)
• Union High School (Sampson County Schools)

I’m Ajea Hughes. I am a recent graduate of Winston- Salem State University, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in exercise science as a first-generation student! I grew up in Rockingham County, NC and that’s where I attended school through high school. It has been an honor to serve underprivileged youth in my community this last school year and I have always wanted to expand on that and help others outside of my community. I spend my free time reading, taking walks, and watching Jeopardy!

Hi! My name is Tori Harris and I am a Chattanooga, TN native. I graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with my Bachelor of Science in exercise science. In my free time I enjoy shopping, traveling, and spending time with family & friends. I’m excited to be a College Adviser because I’ve always had a passion for encouraging students to explore the various options of furthering their education.

Hi everyone, I’m Mina Jang. I graduated from Duke University with a bachelor’s degree in English and a minor in Korean language. I decided to become a College Adviser because the college application process can be complex and confusing, and I’m passionate about supporting students through it. I’m looking forward to a great year ahead!

Hi all! My name is Bryanna Moffitt. I have a passion in counseling underserved youth, specializing in psychology that aids in adolescent growth and development. I am committed to helping seniors gain college access as well as assisting with applications, resources, and opportunities to expand college awareness.

What’s up guys! My name is Jynna, and I am a third-year adviser serving at Northern High, in Durham County for the 2024-2025 academic school year! I am a first-generation college graduate from Roxboro, NC. I graduated from the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University with a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies. I am excited to serve another year as a College Adviser because I know I can be an essential tool for students and families, as they are going through their own individual processes. When I graduated from high school, I didn’t know what to do. I had an adviser help me and my goal is to do the same and be an advocate for students. I am faith driven, goal oriented, and love to keep a positive attitude. I enjoy fashion, self-care and spending quality time with my son Nori, family and friends.

Hi everyone! This will be my second year at Duke College Advising Corps, and I hope to make it my best! I am at CE Jordan High School in Durham, NC, and assisted over 400+ seniors this past year. I’m a native of North Carolina from Monroe, NC. I graduated from NC State in 2023 with a B.A. in political science and a minor in business administration. I was a TRIO scholar, a member of numerous clubs and organizations, and joined a fraternity, among other things. I enjoy cooking my own food, spending time with friends, and being active in my life by walking and running!

I am a first generation Mexican-American from Johnston County, NC. I graduated from Smithfield-Selma High School, and I attended the University of North Carolina Wilmington where I majored in psychology with a leadership studies minor. My faith, family and friends are very important to me. I enjoy going to the beach, farming, traveling, trying new food places, matcha lattes, and boba. I am excited to serve back to the high school that helped me be where I am today.

Hello, my name is Maria Lopez-Garcia, and I am a first-year adviser at North Johnston High School! I am a first-generation college student graduating from the University of North Carolina Greensboro with a bachelor’s in sociology with a concentration in criminology and a double minor in psychology, and human development and family studies. I look forward to providing resources to students and their families this upcoming school year!

I graduated from the University of North Carolina Wilmington in May 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and criminology. I’m born and raised in North Carolina and I’m so excited to start my first year as an adviser. I wanted to become a college adviser because I know how unattainable college can feel and I want to help young students accomplish their dreams of going to college. In my free time I love to practice my German and watch the latest movies!

Hi! My name is Patrice Hinkson and I’m from Huntersville, NC.  I am an Appalachian State University graduate with a BA in psychology. In my spare time, I enjoy yoga, hiking, listening to music, and watching anime. My passion for being a positive role model and support system for high school students who are preparing to transition from adolescence to early adulthood is what makes me so excited for the College Adviser position. I one day hope to be a school counselor so that I may continue to help high school scholars not only academically but also in areas regarding their mental health.

Hi everyone! My name is Jania Richards and I’m a recent UNC Chapel Hill graduate with a degree in Human Development and Family Science and a minor in English. In the future, I intend to pursue a master’s degree in social work, as I am passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and families. I am excited to begin serving as a college adviser and empower youth to pursue their educational and professional goals. Outside of work, I enjoy music, reading, baking, going outside, and serving at my local church!

Hi! My name is Zion and I am a Psychology and Women and Gender Studies graduate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I love coffee, music, nature, and absolutely anything dealing with art. Promoting and providing safe, comforting spaces for any and everyone is a huge passion of mine, so I am excited to do just that with everyone I meet through College Advising Corps.

Hello Everyone! My name is Jaime Bueno Ceballos and I’m a recent UNC Greensboro ’22 double degree graduate in community recreation & event planning and communication studies. My background is heavy in my passion for civic engagement and event planning. In past roles I’ve served as Director of Unity for UNCG’s Fraternity & Sorority Association and served as a Community Engagement Intern for the Greensboro Police Department. I’m currently with the Greensboro Fire Department. In my free time I’m a lover of the arts, I enjoy playing the saxophone, piano, ukulele, and some guitar as well as going to concerts and exhibits.

Hello, I’m Mohamed Fall, a former student of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. My passion lies in assisting students in navigating the college admissions journey and discovering the perfect match for their aspirations. As a college advisor, my ultimate aim is to enable students to make well-informed choices and pursue their dreams with confidence and zeal. It’s a privilege to provide guidance and encouragement to students as they navigate the college admissions process and uncover their ideal path.

Hi! My name is Alana, and I am a graduate from UNC Chapel Hill with a degree in medical anthropology and minors in biology and Japanese. My goal as a college advisor is to help those who are in the same situation my peers and I were in when applying to college. I want students to be aware of the many opportunities that are available to them through college.

Hello! I’m Jocelyn Cardon. I am from Lincolnton, NC. I am a Cum Laude graduate of Appalachian State University with a double major in global studies and Spanish, and a minor in teaching English as a second language. As a first-generation Mexican-Colombian-American and college student, I have experienced firsthand the transformative power of education and its ability to unlock diverse leadership opportunities. My involvement on campus — from serving as a student ambassador to connecting with international students — provided me with invaluable skills and unforgettable connections. After earning my bachelor’s degree, I embarked on an incredible journey teaching English in South Korea for two years. Through my studies and professional experiences, I’ve seen how education transforms lives. I am dedicated to helping students discover and embrace the vast opportunities before them. As a CAC Adviser, my goal is to empower each student to envision their potential, overcome challenges, and make meaningful contributions to their future endeavors.

I graduated in May 2024 from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke with a Bachelor of Science in economics and a minor in information technology. I am currently pursuing a master’s in business administration planning to graduate in December 2024. My interest in becoming a College Adviser stems from my desire to guide and support students in their academic and professional journeys. Originally from Raleigh, North Carolina, I bring a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by students today. As a first-generation college student, I am dedicated to fostering a supportive and empowering environment for all students.

My name is Kaylee Jones, and I am a Magna Cum Laude graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. I earned my Bachelor of Science in psychology with a minor in child and family development. I graduated from Midway High School and am excited for my 3rd year of serving the community I grew up in. My goal as an adviser is to ensure all students are aware of the vast opportunities available to them to further their education. I am excited to continue to have the opportunity to play a role in helping these students develop a plan and follow through with the next steps in their education.

My name is Kamryn Howell and I graduated from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA with a Bachelor of Science in psychology and a minor in human services! During my time at ODU, I participated in volunteer opportunities, Impact Learning Communities for psychology majors, served as a psychology peer mentor, was President of the National Society of Leadership and Success, and was a Lead Teacher at our on-campus Learning and Research Center for Children. I’m excited to serve at Knightdale High School because I didn’t have a program like CAC available to me, so encouraging students to stay on track and helping them achieve higher education and post-graduate opportunities is highly important to me. I am committed to being a resource and safe space for my students to be able to promote boundaries and prepare them for their transition out of high school because it can be challenging! In my free time, I love to hang out with my friends, travel, play video games, go shopping, and explore the Raleigh-Durham area! I’m originally from Surry County, VA and when I’m home I love to go to bonfires, ride four-wheelers, and spend time with my family.

Hi everyone! My name is Michelle, and I’m originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico. I am a recent graduate from North Carolina State University with a bachelor’s in psychology. In my free time, I love to be outdoors, spend time with family, and practice guitar. My personal goal as a Duke CAC Adviser is to lead my students to success on their journey to post-secondary education by not only fostering a supportive environment, but also providing personalized guidance. I look forward to being a part of this program in helping students navigate the complexities of college application processes with confidence and clarity.