SaShay Butler first encountered PeerForward, then called College Summit, in 2010. At the time, they were a rising senior at Cross High School in South Carolina.
During that summer, they had the opportunity to attend a Workshop at College of Charleston along with some of their close friends. “We were all aspiring first-gen college students,” they recalled. “It was a really great opportunity for us to have been selected for this training based on our leadership ability and academic excellence.”
Initially, SaShay didn’t think much of the experience. They were only 45 minutes from home, but once they arrived on campus, it all began to feel real. “Over those four days, I really got the feel for being in a dorm and connecting with my friends but also being responsible for my schedule,” they remember. “It was a different level of autonomy than I had before. I just focused on myself and what I needed to do to prepare for each day and continue to grow. It was different. It was new. it was exciting.”
During the 2025 Workshop season SaShay returned to PeerForward, this time as a volunteer. They wanted to make a difference in the lives of Peer Leaders the same way the volunteers from their Workshop made in theirs. We caught up with SaShay to learn more about what they hoped to achieve in volunteering as well as what makes being a part of PeerForward such a transformative experience:
What brings you back to PeerForward?
It’s been a solid 15 years since I’ve been in the College Summit/PeerForward space. Since the age of 18, I’ve been working with young people in the community, along with their parents. I always knew I wanted to work with the younger generation. I believe they are the future and have the ability to make radical lasting change. The last couple years I’ve been working at a highly selective institution with first-gen students. During this time, I’ve paid attention to legislation, the different changes in admission policies, and noticed the narrowing opportunities for BIPOC and LGBTQ plus students. That was my callback.
I was curious about, with admissions processes and legislation changing, how are students going to be able to tell their stories to these colleges? How will they get the opportunities to break generational curses and be the first in their family to reach a variety of different milestones. I wanted to come back and be an active participant in that transformative process.
I do one-on-one advising in my day-to-day role at the university, so I feel like this was an easy opportunity for me to make a difference. I’m in a position where I have the privilege to take some time off and really immerse myself in the PeerForward experience. I’ve been able to connect one-on-one with students and build relationships while also getting to know the essence of who each student is. With this knowledge, I’m able to help them come up with a list that either they’re happy with or expands their willingness to seek opportunities so they can create their ideal version of success.
In your eyes, what about the PeerForward experience is most transformative? What do you think that transformation is?
The transformational impact of PeerForward lies in the fact that it is literally a holistic village of support for each young person that comes in. So, as Peer Leaders, you get to connect with peers from your schools as well as different places across the country that can shape your mindset or your perspective on college and what success looks like as a whole.
You also have Alumni leaders who come back to the space who were in your position a year or two beforehand and can share what they’ve learned, the challenges they’ve navigated, and how they found success. You have Writing Coaches who really get to dig deep into the essence of you, who you are, what you believe in, what are your values, and how are you going to utilize those things to shape your ideal version of success. You’ve got College Coaches who work with you to find institutions that align with your passions and values. You have advisors who are rocking with you throughout the school year, supporting you, guiding you, continuing to hold you accountable, offer care, compassion, all the good things you need to succeed.
You also have the amazing curriculum which teaches you to use your voice, speak about things you’re passionate about with courage and conviction, to stand in your truth, and to own the power that you possess. All of that mixed together makes for truly transformational experience. That’s one of the reasons I came back, honestly.
In your own words, can you tell me what a Peer Leader is?
A Peer Leader is somebody who is recognized in their community, family, and school as somebody with lots of potential. They have a natural leadership ability, and everybody is rooting for them. An underrated component of being a Peer Leader is the ability to impact other and create meaningful change. You’re assigned the role of Peer Leader because your advisors, coaches, community, and parents all believe that you have the power to positively impact your peers. To me, that’s what a Peer Leader is.
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!
