Celebrating Shaquela
On the Road Collaborative is a community built on care, connection, and showing up for each other inside and outside of the classroom. At the heart of this community are staff who pour into youth each day, creating spaces where they feel supported and valued. Today we are proud to highlight the contributions of our Skyline Middle School Site Coordinator, Shaquela Corbin, one of our organization’s earliest team members. We had the opportunity to speak with Shaquela to learn more about her journey.
How did you first get connected with On the Road Collaborative, and what has your journey with the organization looked like over the years?
I previously worked under Brent Holsinger at Beyond the Bell prior to him founding On the Road Collaborative. About a year and a half after Beyond the Bell ended, Brent reached out with a new opportunity and asked if I’d be interested in becoming a Youth Lead. That’s how I became the first part-time staff member at On the Road.
In year one, I served as a Youth Lead, working closely with a group of 5th and 6th graders.
In year two, I completed a year of service through the AmeriCorps program and joined On the Road’s leadership team, which at the time consisted of just four people, including Brent and Deanna Reed. Summers were especially intense, we spent two weeks reflecting and three weeks planning ahead, surrounded by flip chart paper and big ideas.
In year three, I stepped into the role of the organization’s first Program Specialist, where I led staff training and managed day-to-day programming at Skyline.
After stepping away from On the Road for five years, I returned in September 2022 as a Site Coordinator, a true full-circle moment.
As the Site Coordinator at Skyline Middle School, what does a typical day with On the Road look like for you?
My mornings are usually filled with meetings with partners, program staff, and our leadership team.
In the early afternoon, I’m at the school preparing for programming or connecting with teachers about youth in our program. I also make it a point to attend lunches and visit students in their classrooms when I can.
From about 2:05 to 4:00, I’m typically popping in and out of classrooms and supporting Youth Leads as needed. Recently, I’ve also been leading games and team-building activities. It’s brought me back to why I do this work and gives me a chance to model the practices I encourage Youth Leads to use.
What are some of the biggest changes or growth you’ve seen in the program over the years and the youth we serve?
The overall growth of On the Road has been incredible. What started as one site operating two days a week has expanded beyond Harrisonburg into Staunton and Waynesboro.
One of the biggest shifts is recognition. When I say I work for On the Road Collaborative now, I no longer have to explain what that means, people know who we are and the work we do. That visibility is huge.
What is something about working with middle school youth that you find especially rewarding?
One of the most rewarding things is watching quiet or shy youth come out of their shell. Seeing them begin to advocate for themselves and others. As well as, build trust with the adults in the program.
It also warms my heart when our youth are genuinely excited to share something they’ve accomplished.
Can you share a memorable moment or experience with a student that has stayed with you?
It’s not necessarily one moment, but every day a young person, who school-day teachers would probably identify as one of the most challenging students, comes into my office to give me a hug or a fist bump and ask how my day is going. We chat for about five minutes, and they always seem to leave in a better mood.
What do you hope youth take away from their time with On the Road Collaborative?
I hope they leave knowing there are adults who genuinely love and care about them and who will support them even beyond middle and high school.
What motivates you to keep doing this work every day?
I grew up in youth programs and spent a lot of time with mentors, many of whom I’m still connected to, and I know how important it is for a young person to have a trusted adult.
Outside of work, what are some things you enjoy doing or hobbies you have?
I enjoy listening to audiobooks and music. In the summer, I love spending time outdoors. Especially around trees and water. Rawley Springs is one of my favorite places to go.
If you could give one piece of advice to the youth you work with, what would it be?
Dream big. Don’t settle. You’re capable of doing hard things if you truly want to.
To learn more about On the Road visit the get involved page of our website. Whether you are interested in joining, partnering, or simply following along there is a place for you in our community. Thank you for taking time to learn more about the people and stories that make this work so meaningful.