Q: How has your experience at Laguna been so far?
A: It’s been great. Everyone’s been really welcoming, and it’s been fun to see all the resources and classes students have available.
Q: What advice do you have for students going through the college counseling or admissions process right now?
A: Don’t wait until the last minute. Ask as many questions as you need to figure out what to do. Those are my top two pieces of advice—there’s so much information out there, and it takes time to sort through.
Q: How does this job differ from your previous work, and how will that experience help you?
A: On the college side, the number of students we work with is extremely large. Being able to focus on a much smaller group and support them more directly feels impactful. Working with middle school students gave me a sense of life on a school campus and everything students have on their plates beyond applications. That helps me see you as people beyond the process.
Q: Is there anything specific you’re excited about in the high school experience?
A: I’m excited to learn more about Laguna. I started this year as a parent of a student and now as a staff member, so getting to see the school firsthand every day is special. I’m looking forward to working with the wonderful teachers here and being part of a strong team supporting great students.
Q: Do you have any concerns about joining later in the application cycle?
A: Not at all. I have a lot of experience with the application process. It’s actually a benefit for the school and for students, because I can jump in—whether that’s speaking during community time, reading an essay, or doing whatever is needed. I don’t have any reservations. I’m excited.
Q: What advice would you give to students just starting high school as they prepare for the college admissions process?
A: First and foremost, focus on academics. Make sure you’re taking classes that are a good fit for where you are as a student, and do your best in those classes. Develop strong study habits and build good relationships with teachers. Those things matter.
Q: Do you have any hobbies or passions you’d like to share with the community?
A: I like hiking and traveling with my family. We ski and take a lot of road trips, often to national parks to camp and hike. Spending time outdoors is a big passion of ours.
Q: What trends are you seeing in college admissions right now?
A: A lot. Admissions are constantly evolving every year, but especially since COVID and the changes to testing requirements during that time. Now that some time has passed, schools are reevaluating those temporary changes and deciding whether to continue them or go back to previous policies. Another result of COVID is a lot more opportunities are available to students online, such as interviews or information sessions. That said, many things in admissions remain the same.
Q: Do you think a lot of students overly focus on prestige instead of how well a school actually suits them?
A: Yes, I do think that happens. Because more information is available online than ever before, and with the Common Application making it easier to apply to multiple schools, students can submit more applications with less effort. That convenience sometimes leads them to focus less on fit during the selection process. As long as students have good guidance from parents or a college counselor, my hope is that they’ll continue to prioritize fit.
