Over the past 30 years, hundreds of Summer Search Boston students have shown up for their first mentorship session, embarked on summer trips, and gone on to post-secondary education, training, or first jobs. In celebration of our 30th year, we are bringing you some of those stories. First up, meet current Summer Searcher Sarah-Simone!

As a freshman at Boston University and post-secondary Summer Searcher, Sarah-Simone is already building a future rooted in service, leadership, and care for others. She’s majoring in Education and Human Development with a focus on Child Life and Adolescent Mental Health, while also completing nursing prerequisites. In her spare time, she works an on-campus job, tutors Boston Public Schools students, volunteers with organizations supporting children and teens, and is pursuing opportunities to learn more about pediatric healthcare and NICU care.

Sarah-Simone says Summer Search helped her realize that her future could be bigger than she once imagined.  

“Beyond my parents, it was the first place that gave me a real sense of power and knowledge, helping me realize that I could choose a path that aligns with my passions. It taught me that creating change looks different for everyone and showed me the importance of taking my own seat at the table, even when I wasn’t expected or invited.” 

One of the experiences that shaped her most was her summer experience trip with Kroka Expeditions, where she learned to kayak. By the end of the trip, she and the other students were navigating rivers using maps instead of GPS, relying on one another every step of the way.

“On the last day, during a heavy downpour, our kayak began filling with water. [My kayaking partner] Funmi and I, along with other groups, got into the river to tip the boat and drain out the excess water, carefully redistributing weight and belongings so everyone could stay balanced and safe. 

What made this moment unforgettable was that we were completely on our own, without supervisors, relying solely on ourselves and each other. In that moment, I realized we weren’t just ‘city kids’ on a trip, we were capable of handling challenges, thinking critically under pressure, and showing up for one another in ways that mattered.”

Sarah-Simone at graduation with her Summer Search mentors Jacob and Lariona

Sarah-Simone credits her mentors, Lariona and Jacob, with helping her understand her own potential during moments of uncertainty. And while Sarah-Simone hopes to become a NICU nurse, she says that Summer Search has taught her that you don’t have to be just one thing. She also dreams of bringing her skills to underserved communities around the world, while continuing to use music, education, and creativity as tools for empowerment.

When asked to describe her Summer Search journey, she chose two words: “Endurance” and “Transformational.”

“Through these experiences, I learned that growth isn’t just about reaching the next milestone, but about becoming, expanding my mindset, stepping into opportunities I once thought weren’t meant for me, and recognizing my own capacity to grow and lead.” 

We can’t wait to see all that Sarah-Simone will accomplish during her college years, and into the future. Summer Searchers like Sarah-Simone use their unique perspectives, passions, and talents to make our community a better place. As we look towards the next 30 years of Summer Search Boston, we are grateful for your support of our mission and the uniquely capable young people we serve who have shaped our story so far.