The Power of Exposure & Access: How Mentorship Helped One STS Student Discover Her Future in Law

At STS, we believe that careers influence lifestyles and that exposure and access reset what’s possible.

When students are exposed to opportunities, connected to professionals, and given access to real-world experiences, something powerful happens: possibility becomes real.

That is exactly what happened for STS Strive student Bethany Bland through the mentorship, guidance, and investment of STS Strive Director Brittany Davis.

Brittany Davis is more than an accomplished professional. She is a practicing attorney currently serving with the Memphis International Airport Authority, with years of experience across multiple areas of law. As a graduate of the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, Brittany understands firsthand the dedication, discipline, and resilience required to succeed in the legal profession.

During Bethany’s time in the STS Strive program, she expressed an interest in becoming a lawyer.

For many students, career interests begin as distant dreams or ideas that feel exciting but uncertain. But Brittany immediately recognized something important:

If this career is what Bethany wants to pursue, she deserves exposure, access, guidance, and support to pursue it with confidence.

And from that moment forward, Brittany got to work.

Turning Interest Into Intention

Rather than simply encouraging Bethany, Brittany intentionally began helping her prepare for the future she envisioned.

She connected Bethany with programs, resources, and opportunities designed to help her better understand the legal profession. She shared her personal journey as a lawyer, provided insight into the realities of the profession, and helped Bethany understand the skills, mindset, and preparation needed to succeed in law.

Through consistent mentorship and real conversations, Bethany was able to see something incredibly important:

Being a lawyer was not just a possibility for someone else.

It was possible for her.

The exposure to a successful attorney who looked like her, believed in her, and invested in her growth gave Bethany clarity, direction, and confidence about her future.

Today, Bethany is graduating from high school with a vision, a plan, and a purpose.

She will continue her educational journey at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, with her sights firmly set on becoming a lawyer.

She also currently serves on the Youth Court Council, continuing to develop leadership, advocacy, and communication skills that will serve her well in the legal profession.

This Is Why STS Exists

At STS, we know students do not just need information. They need exposure. They need access. They need relationships.

They need professionals who are willing to help them, share their knowledge, provide mentorship, and remind them that success is possible.

Bethany’s story is a powerful reminder that one caring professional can help transform uncertainty into confidence and curiosity into purpose.

Because of Brittany Davis’ willingness to invest her time, network, experience, and support, Bethany now enters her postsecondary journey with greater confidence and direction.

This is what community looks like. This is what mentorship looks like. This is what workforce development looks like. And this is what happens when professionals in Memphis choose to pour into the next generation.

Helping Students Become Day-One Ready for College and Day-One Ready for the Workforce!

STS Executive Director Alton Cryer frequently emphasizes that students cannot become what they don’t see, and it is our responsibility to foster alignment that enables “everyday professionals' to inspire our youth to dream.

For years, we have observed students like Bethany go through similar journeys. What initially was just an interest evolved into a clear pathway. Curiosity grew into confidence, and what was once a tentative "maybe" transformed into a firm “I know I can.”

We are incredibly grateful to “everyday professionals” like Brittany Davis for her leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to helping young people succeed.

Her investment in Bethany demonstrates the true power of access and exposure and why programs like STS Strive are so essential for students across Memphis.

It truly takes a village to help young people become who they are destined to be.

And because of this village, Bethany is one step closer to becoming the lawyer she dreams of becoming.

This is the impact of STS.

This is why we exist.