Prince N.
HE_HIM • majoring in Management Science and Engineering + minoring in Mechanical Engineering • class of 2027
PRO TIP:
When evaluating whether a mentor would be a good match for your student keep in mind that the greatest leading indicator of success is how well a mentor and their mentee get along.
Questions to ask yourself:
- Would the student find this person inspiring?
- Do they share any interests, hobbies, or lived experiences?
EDUCATION
Watch Prince N. break down a subject they’re passionate about.
WHY THIS MATTERS:
Our mentorship sessions happen virtually over Zoom. It’s important to get a sense of how someone’s personality can come through on a video call. The best way to ensure your student is excited about learning is to have someone on the other side that they look forward to talking to.
GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT (SO FAR)
Last June, I was selected as 1 of 75 students out of 1,000+ U.S. applicants to participate in the inaugural Civic Innovation Academy in Washington, D.C., sponsored by the nonprofit Civics Unplugged.
In D.C., I spoke with and learned from current CEOs, political leaders, intergenerational activists, and members of the United States Congress; I also held discussions with deputy directors from the US Department of Treasury (USDT) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Through the CU CIA Department Challenge, we had the opportunity to take up the role of USDT clients and present a culminating group research project aiming to revolutionize tax accessibility for U.S. taxpayers.
Our guiding question: "Why is the U.S. tax code so complicated?"
Our group worked under the Department of Treasury to analyze the tax collection systems of other countries and evaluate the U.S. tax code. We proposed a simplified strategy for filing taxes—one that takes full advantage of the digital landscape through the translation of tax codes, the networked collaboration of tax professionals, and the digitization of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Centers.
Through our decomposed approach to revolutionizing tax accessibility, my team placed as one of two finalists out of 20 groups! I am committed to bringing this superpower of simplifying strategies to all students.
FAVORITES
FAVORITE SONG
"Way to the Show" by Solange
FAVORITE BOOK
All Desire is a Desire for Being
FAVORITE PLAY
Dreamgirls: The Musical (I was starred in my school's rendition!)
What’s your greatest source of motivation?
Out of all the things you could be doing, why mentorship?
How did you spend your summers in high school?