At PeerForward, we strive to connect service-driven professionals with an opportunity to guide the next generation of leaders. During our summer Workshops, our Writing Coaches and College Coaches prepare hundreds of Peer Leaders to navigate the college application process successfully. One such volunteer is Neil Wertheimer, the subject of today’s volunteer spotlight!
Following his retirement in May of 2024, Neil immediately began to look for volunteer opportunities he could take advantage of with his newly freed schedule. He worked in publishing for over 40 years, with the last 8 having been spent as the deputy editor of the two AARP magazines: AARP Bulletin and AARP The Magazine. Because of his passion for and experience with writing, his first thought was to look for an opportunity where he could act as a writing coach. “[My search] quickly led me to the PeerForward website, and I thought the role sounded absolutely perfect,” he recalled.
During the summer of 2024, Neil attended our Nazareth University Workshop, marking his first volunteer experience with PeerForward. The following year he returned, this time acting as a Writing Coach at one of our Washington College Workshops! We caught up with him to learn more about his volunteer experience with our organization and what makes it so rewarding:
Knowing what you know now about PeerForward, how would you describe the program to another potential volunteer?
Well, first off, what I’ve learned is the writing part is just one little slice of a very big circle. I would describe it as a very intelligent, noble, well thought out organization with a track record that proves it’s transforming the lives of high schoolers, particularly those in need of it. PeerForward is very focused guidance on getting into college. It’s not a nebulous, broad, open-ended goal. We’re going to help you tell your story. We’re going to help you find the right college for you. We’re going to help you be the best you can be so you can get in and achieve your goals. I love both the underlying philosophy but also the practicality of it all.
What do you find was the most rewarding part of the PeerForward Writing Coach experience?
Many of the kids I worked with in my writing group have had extraordinarily hard lives. The stories that they shared brought many of us to tears. They have such strong stories, they have such impressive stories. They have overcome such challenges that make them very viable candidates for college. To be able to help guide them in telling an authentic story about how their life has been and how they overcame their struggles is a very powerful thing. I think they will all do very well because they have such impactful stories to share.
Despite any hardships they faced, for them to recognize that they’re every bit as bright and capable as any other student across the country is very important. I think they recognize that. The writing they’re doing is as profound. I’ve heard stories I’ve never heard before. Simply put, it’s just powerful.
As a Writing Coach, what do you think is the key to being a good writer?
The key to being a great writer is having a great story to tell. You cannot write your way out of a weak story or, in journalism, out of weak reporting. If you have a good story to tell and you are willing to tell it honestly, you’ll be a good writer. It’s not much deeper than that truth.
Are you ready to have a transformative summer of your own? Step up to the plate and join us at one of our summer Workshops! In just 4 days, you can make a difference in the lives of our Peer Leaders. Your impact will be further maximized when they return to school, using what they learned to positively influence their peers. Now is your chance to enrich the future generation of leaders. Check out our role descriptions and apply below!
