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Hidden Gems: Meet Andra Campos of Project Connect Forum

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andra Campos

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
As a passionate first-generation student, I wanted to make a difference—but I soon realized I wasn’t alone in that desire. That realization became the driving force behind transforming technology into a platform that empowers like-minded students to connect and take action.

I believe that passionate students hold some of the greatest potential to create change. By fostering a space where they can access the resources, mentorship, and opportunities they need, we can help them believe in themselves and their ability to make an impact.

Sometimes, all it takes is a single post on social media or an inspiring speech to spark action in someone. My mission is to ensure that students who want to change the world have the support and tools to do so—because when passionate minds come together, the possibilities are limitless.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I can confidently say that my journey has not been a smooth road. When I first launched Project Connect Forum, I never expected it to scale to what it is today. Even now, I’m still navigating the world of entrepreneurship and learning what students truly need to make a difference. Much of this has been a process of self-discovery, and at times, I’ve had to figure things out on my own.

One of the biggest challenges I faced was discouragement. Early on, my website featured an open database where students could freely post opportunities. I believed this would foster collaboration and accessibility, but as the platform grew, I quickly realized it was being misused. At one point, someone posted inappropriate content that completely misaligned with my values as a website developer. Seeing something I built being used in a way I never intended felt disheartening—almost like a betrayal.

However, in hindsight, I’m grateful for that experience. It forced me to reevaluate my platform’s structure and implement safeguards that not only protected its integrity but also improved the user experience. What initially felt like a setback became one of my biggest growth moments, teaching me the importance of adaptability and resilience in entrepreneurship.

To anyone starting their own project—whether a business or an organization—I would say this: challenges are inevitable, but they can also be the turning points that make you and your vision stronger. It’s about learning from obstacles and using them to your advantage.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I’m the founder of Project Connect Forum, a platform designed to empower students by giving them the resources and connections they need to explore their interests, launch initiatives, and drive meaningful change. I believe that so much impact can be made simply by investing in students who are eager to make a difference. That’s exactly what my website does—it helps students engage in extracurricular opportunities, discover what they’re passionate about, and recruit team members to start their own organizations.

What sets us apart is that we are built for students, by a student. As the founder and developer, I deeply understand what students need because I’ve been in their shoes. I’m committed to making Project Connect Forum a space where students feel fully supported in their journey—whether they’re looking for an opportunity to get involved or trying to build something of their own.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how adaptable and student-centered our platform is. We emphasize open communication with our users, ensuring that if a resource isn’t available, we’re ready to have a conversation and see how we can provide it. Our goal is to create the best possible experience for students—something I would have loved to have myself. Ultimately, we’re here to make it easier for young change-makers to take action and turn their ideas into reality.

What does success mean to you?
To me, success is reaching a point where you no longer see challenges as obstacles but as opportunities—where everything that happens to you transforms into something that happens for you. The road to success is never easy, but I’m incredibly grateful for every challenge I’ve faced because each one has shaped me into who I am today. It’s in those difficult moments that we learn the most—about ourselves, our resilience, and our ability to adapt.

True success isn’t about a final destination; it’s about developing the mindset to keep moving forward, no matter what. It’s about having the grit to push through adversity, the humility to recognize that growth is continuous, and the courage to ask for help when needed. Many people think success is about reaching a particular milestone, but I believe it’s about the relentless pursuit of growth and impact. It’s about taking every setback as a lesson, using it to fuel your next step, and never letting failure define you.

One of the most important aspects of success is staying grounded. It’s easy to get caught up in external validation—titles, awards, recognition—but at the end of the day, real success comes from knowing you’ve stayed true to your values, made a difference, and continued evolving. The moment you embrace the idea that growth is a lifelong process, that you’ll never stop learning, and that every experience—good or bad—is shaping you for something greater, that’s when you’ve truly succeeded.

Pricing:

  • $5 shoutouts on our Instagram story with 23K followers, typically gaining 2,000-2,500 views per story
  • $15 shoutout post on our Instagram feed with 23K followers
  • $20 passion project counseling sessions, I’ll help guide you in starting your own project

Contact Info:

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