Written by Davidson College student Clara Hudson ’28
The Hurt Hub’s programming paves the way for any and all students to make a real-world impact if they aspire to do so. The NEXT (Network, Engage, eXplore, Together) Level program, run by Ashley Bodie, Assistant Director for Exploration and Experiential Learning at the Matthews Center for Career Development, and Kelly Weaver, Community Experience Manager at the Hurt Hub, is just one example of that. Through paid consulting project work, first-generation sophomore students are paired with a client partner local to Davidson in need of a fresh set of eyes and a unique perspective to offer innovative ideas for their business. These client partners serve as the project sponsor and mentor for students as they engage in weekly meetings to collaborate closely over eight weeks. NEXT Level serves as an avenue for career exploration, real-world professional experience, and connection-building opportunities. In addition to working with a client partner, students participate in skill-development workshops with their cohort, encouraging personal and professional exploration and growth. This program is twofold: It allows first-generation students to discover more about themselves and their professional interests, while also producing tangible results that directly impact a business.
Melissa Mugengano ‘28 and Jesse Carr ‘28 joined NEXT Level in the fall of 2025 for the same reason: a desire to put the skills they’d been learning in the classroom into practice. Davidson thoroughly prepares students for the outside world, and these students saw firsthand how their knowledge translated into something meaningful. Melissa reflected on how the project flow of identifying a problem, finding a solution, putting it into practice, and having an end product to present by the conclusion of the semester showed her how to embrace a client-first mindset.
Both Melissa and Jesse were apprehensive at the start of the program because the thought of balancing NEXT Level with their classes was daunting. Instead, they quickly adapted to a work-school balance and gained beneficial time-management skills they’ll carry through their academic and professional careers. Intentional communication with the client partner to understand their needs proved to be just as essential as for a smooth, successful engagement. Melissa realized that with communication, it was entirely possible to manage her busy school schedule and this project. Similarly, Jesse was able to step outside of his comfort zone and tap into an extroverted version of himself by leading client meetings and articulating his thoughts to move the project forward.
These two students also shared how their character developed throughout the process. Working within a team gave them a glimpse into the professional world of voicing ideas, giving feedback, and being dependable. When unexpected problems arose, they were pushed to think outside of the box and figure out how to adjust. Whether it was Melissa learning about an unfamiliar industry, stepping into her client’s shoes, and challenging her own thinking, or Jesse having to move forward quickly on his own while his client was occupied, the students met the project’s unexpected challenges with remarkable adaptability.
The advice they gained from their client partners will stick with them throughout their academic and professional careers. Melissa realized that “failure is just another chance to retry” when her client partner saw the value in her that she couldn’t yet see in herself. Jesse’s project showed him that above all, “being a good person is the most foundational thing to building a relationship and being able to produce meaningful work.” Interpersonal skills are often the key to success, taken for granted but painfully obvious when they are lacking.
As Melissa and Jesse reflected on their time in the program as first-generation students, they agreed that they felt pressure to succeed, but NEXT Level served as “a whisper to all that everything was possible.” Putting in the effort and the work sets one up for success, and Jesse was especially appreciative of the support he got from Kelly and Ashley. He shared that they were dedicated to “ensuring we excel amongst all facets, even outside of the program.” He could truly see himself growing throughout the process, aided by all of the care he received.
Overall, the students voiced the program experience as being “transformative, life-changing, innovative, and riveting.” They came out of it changed for the better, with a newfound confidence their past selves had not yet acquired. Melissa and Jesse are both incredibly grateful for the opportunity and will continue to hold onto the connections they made. Their stories are proof that when students are given the chance, they don’t just meet the moment; they rise to it. That’s the real power of NEXT Level.
