Serene and relaxed, she listens to smooth jazz as she reads through college essays written by CVHS seniors.
CVHS college advisor, Chanae Galloway, works with students to ensure they have a plan for the future, and supports them through the process.“I’m really passionate about making sure that students have a plan once they leave high school,” said Galloway. The loving support provided by Galloway allows students to visualize a clearer path on the road to higher education.
As the first one in her family to go to college, Galloway attended the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 2017 with a degree in psychology with hopes of one day becoming a psychiatrist.
“A whole other world out here,” Galloway said, describing her first college experiences. Her transition from high school to college was extremely eye-opening for her. Just like what all seniors go through, the transition from childhood to adulthood exposed her to new life experiences.
During college, Galloway joined a club called “Voices,” which was involved in volunteer opportunities across campus and worked with various nonprofits. Through Voices, Galloway found her passion for serving others during her busy college years.
“I would say I was the average Joe. That was me in high school,” said Galloway. She had good grades but wasn’t involved in school. However, she did have a job at the McDonalds near her house. Unfortunately, Galloway did not have an adult to look to when it came to higher education. Galloway’s parents never attended college and couldn’t guide her through a journey they had never been on themselves. Galloway’s high school was large, with about five hundred in her graduating class. No one ever made the effort to check in on her. This inspired Galloway to become a college adviser–to be the person she needed in high school.
Being a college advisor comes with its challenges and advantages. Galloway uniquely plays the role of advising at three campuses: CVHS, Debakey, and HSPVA. Though she is surrounded by many students, Galloway still finds ways to form connections and implement ideas within them. She must navigate tough conversations about lower test scores and grade point averages with both students and parents. Galloway guides students through college admissions, but also collaborates with them by helping to find scholarships and programs that will give them an advantage with their application.
One advantage to being a college advisor is getting to know different people. “Pure, human to human connection […]. I think in the end, that’s what’s super important. That’s what’s valuable,” said Galloway. She acknowledges that all students have a different story and she is always ready to listen. Although it is her job to encourage students, Galloway says she wants students to expand their horizons and to think big, instead of “[students] putting all their eggs in one basket.”
Galloway is a flamboyant, hidden gem in the halls of CVHS. She continues to encourage students before they take their first steps into adulthood. Galloway’s enlightenment on life’s blessings allows her to advise students in every aspect of life.
“ Comparison is the thief of joy. So don’t compare yourself to others. Just focus on you.”
