Exactly As Advertised
In May 2024, I graduated from Wake Forest after a very intense four years. I am incredibly grateful for my experience, yet it was hard and, at times, deeply scarring. As much as I loved my friends (and I still do), I needed to get out. I knew I needed to do something different from everyone else.
I wish I had the statistics, but I would not be surprised if you told me 95% of the Wake Forest Business School graduates went into investment banking, accounting, or consulting in New York, Charlotte, or Atlanta. Actively choosing not to do that meant my career coaches (who are exceptional at getting students into the previously stated pipeline) provided legitimately zero help to me.
Knowing myself, I needed to avoid going to one of those cities and working in either of those vocations. Instead, I desperately wanted a new city, a community that cared about one another, work I was passionate about, and, most importantly, a Church I could call home. Therefore, when the Nashville Fellows came along, thanks to Drew Snyder, and I was told all this was possible, I was an easy sell.
I accepted Fellows 13 months ago and am 75% through my Fellows tenure. My biggest takeaway is this:
In a world where I am frequently reminded how things are not how they seem, Nashville Fellows is precisely as advertised.
Nobody told me that the first years out of college are the most inherently desolate times, where you are frequently overlooked and unsupported. Yet, amid this, the Fellows Program exists to work in the lives of recently intentionally graduated young adults at a time of their lives nobody ever prepares them for.
I can best describe how Fellows has grown and shaped me via the four-square-life principle based on Luke 2:52: "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man." The Fellows Program helps young adults grow relationally, mentally, and spiritually while giving them opportunities for physical development.
Relationally: the Nashville Fellows promised and delivered a community of 11 friends who support, care for, and challenge me daily. I cannot reiterate the importance of the built-in community enough.
Mentally: The Fellows promised and delivered an open door for me to work in financial real estate. It also indirectly allowed me to coach middle school soccer. Both opportunities have made me a better employee and have tested and grown my brain.
Physically: Fellows promised breaks amid the craziness. Thankfully, this has been the case. In these breaks, I have chosen to play sports and exercise. At the end of the day, this category is on me, but I do have the time.
Spiritually: Most importantly, the Fellows placed me in a church I'm passionate about and love being active in. We also have our Monday classes, where discussions have significantly grown my theological knowledge base.
My Mom has prayed Luke 2:52 over me since I was a child (shoutout, Mom), and by God's grace, He led me to a program and a city where I can intentionally pursue activities that nurture these four key areas. The Nashville Fellows has opened doors to these incredible opportunities (and much more), and for that, I praise the Lord, my good and gracious God.
Brooks Mauldin, Class 12
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Wake Forest University Graduate
