Our PeerForward Alumni continue to positively influence their peers long after their high school graduation. One such Alumni is Joseph Keys, the feature of today’s spotlight!
Joseph is currently a sophomore at Howard University, an esteemed HBCU commonly ranked among the top in the nation,where he is majoring in Afro-American studies and minoring in playwrighting. He completed his own PeerForward Workshop in 2023 at Cal State LA, and returned during the 2025 Workshop season to serve as a Peer Support Specialist on the Alumni Support Team. We caught up with him to learn more about life at his HBCU and what keeps him coming back to PeerForward:
Why do YOU serve as a PeerForward Alumni?
I serve as a PeerForward Alumni to help my community, especially those who are first generation and/or underserved. It is my duty to set a example for those that want to be in the position I am. When I did my Workshop in 2023 at Cal State LA, I got to collaborate with a lot of different types of people. I was able to become more comfortable by surrounding myself with them, particularly when we were presenting our personal statements in the banquet. It really made me happy to continue to work with my cohort as I got the opportunity to become a Peer Support Specialist in 2025. That summer, I got to work with the Peer Leaders at Las Vegas. With that said, I am forever grateful for the Alumni and the Coordinators that helped paved the way for me. They allowed me as a multiracial individual to share my own experiences while providing me with valuable insights while I was a peer leader. I look forward to getting more involved with PeerForward as I continue to progress.
Why did you choose your University?
I chose Howard University, the most illustrious prestigious college ever known, because it provides me with a sense of belonging. I wanted to be in a community with people that are like-minded and look like me. As someone of Tongan, Black, and White descent from Oakland, California, attending Howard allowed me to create connections and foster great friendships with those who share similar goals and passions.
What’s been the best part of attending your college/university?
The best part of attending Howard University is amount of opportunities that they have. Being a treasurer of the improv club while also having the opportunity to be a peer mentor for freshman seminar was a big deal for me. It allowed me to hone my leadership skills all while using my own tactics and perspectives to guide my crew members and peer mentees.
How did PeerForward change your perspective of college?
As someone that is a first generation and an only child, I always aspired to go to college. I wanted to push myself further to achieve my overarching goal of pursuing a career as a actor. When I found out about PeerForward, it opened helped open doors for me to be a better person, a leader, to break generational barriers, and to think smarter not harder.
How have you continued to be a positive influence on your peers?
I believe in authenticity. Just being myself has had a positive impact on my well-being. It has made me happier as a whole and it has taught me about independence, accountability, and respect. I work to help others feel understood and I strive to be someone that they can lean on as a fellow scholar.
What’s one piece of college advice you’d offer Peer Leaders?
If I could offer one piece of advice to the Peer Leaders, it would be to appreciate what you are doing and to keep growing. You never know who may be scouting you. Take advantage of the opportunities that are handed to you because it is worth it!
Some responses have been edited for length and clarity.
