MS. COLLINS

Ms. Nilijah Collins serves as BCHS's College and Career Counselor and Social Work Intern through the Mission Society, working every day to help students map a path forward after high school. With a background in childcare and human resources, she brings both warmth and structure to her work — meeting with students about post-secondary steps, keeping them accountable, and making sure no one loses sight of graduation day. Students find her easy to approach and describe her as someone who genuinely loves what she does. Ms. Nilijah believes the most important skill she can give scholars is the ability to be their own first advocate. Her signature reminder: "Graduation is closer than you think — let's do the work now and be prepared for the big day." Outside of school, she spends time with her dog — and openly admits she cannot cook. Her goal for every student is to leave each conversation with a plan. She believes teenagers succeed when adults lead with compassion and care.