Name: Audriana Alvarado (she/ella)

Year 1- Writing Course Co-Instructor

Position: Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education/English Language Arts Educator at Harrison High School

Why I wanted to be a part of Stroud: I am proud to have been raised in Southeast Colorado Springs and to be a Colorado College alumna '18. Through my educational path, I have seen the disparities in our community's access to higher education. Being part of Stroud to me, means combining our communities and providing academic preparation and mentorship to students of various backgrounds an opportunity from an early start.

One piece of advice I’d give to high schoolers: Follow your heart and mind. Live a life that makes you happy.  You have always been enough and you are capable. 

 

Name: Juan Miguel Arias, PhD (he/él)

Year 1- Quantitative Reasoning Co-Instructor

Position: Visiting Assistant Professor in Environmental Education, Education Department at Colorado College

Why I wanted to be a part of Stroud: Stroud Scholars is a way CC does the work to foster equitable learning and deepen a just sense of place here in Colorado. As someone who benefited from similar support in my education journey, I am honored to take part and lovingly critique CC to continue the necessary work of equitable education.

One piece of advice I’d give to high schoolers: Author and civil rights leader Howard Thurman said it best in a quote that has stayed with me since high school:

“Don’t ask what the world needs; ask what makes you come alive and go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”

 

 

 

Name: Joe Howard

Year 1- Quantitative Reasoning Co-Instructor

Position: Math Teacher at Peak to Peak Charter School

Why I wanted to be a part of Stroud: I love what this program does to help students prepare for a successful college experience. As a CC grad, I am so excited to help with that process.

One piece of advice I’d give to high schoolers: Focus less on checking boxes and more on legitimately learning and skill building as much as possible.

 

   

Name: Porschae Chitmon-Turner

Year 2- Writing Course Co-Instructor

Position: English, Film, & Yearbook Instructor at Harrison High School

Why I wanted to be a part of Stroud: The Stroud Program bridges the gap between high school and College. Oftentimes, students are not prepared for the intensity and workload of college. I am excited to be part of the Stroud Program because it gives students a strong foundation for success. The challenge that Stroud undoubtedly provides makes me excited to see the future at work. 

One piece of advice I’d give to high schoolers: Surround yourself with people that make your heart shine

 

 

 

Name: Stephanie Doktor

Year 2- Writing Course Co-Instructor

Position: Visiting Assistant Professor in Music at Colorado College

Why I wanted to be a part of Stroud: As a first generation student, I am passionate about preparing students to transition into and thrive within college settings!  

One piece of advice I’d give to high schoolers: Choose a path that will bring you joy, not one that you think will get you a job. Experiencing joy will prepare you for your future more than any particular major. It will help you discover more about yourself, your intellectual curiosities, and your capacity as a human being.

 

Name: Phillip Hutcherson

Year 2- Quantitative Reasoning Co-Instructor

Position: K-8 Math and Science Specialist D11

Why I wanted to be a part of Stroud: Based on my own personal challenges and fortunate opportunities in life, I want to inspire students to take positive risks. I also want ensure that students receive the proper supports in order to obtain their goals and dreams.

One piece of advice I'd give to high schoolers: Identify the adults that you trust and that will support you, regardless of your goals and dreams, and be willing to ask them questions. They might not have all of the answers, but they will usually help you find the answers.

  

 

  

Name: Elizabeth Coggins

Year 2- Quantitative Reasoning Co-Instructor  

Position: Associate Professor of Political Science at Colorado College

Why I wanted to be a part of Stroud: I want to be a part of this moment, this inflection point, in students’ lives to help demonstrate to them that thinking quantitatively is intuitive and powerful. Asking and answering interesting questions is the hallmark of critical thinking, sure, but it’s also central to personal growth. I love helping guide students through the powerful world of quantitative reasoning.

One piece of advice I’d give to high schoolers: Develop a growth mindset.