Page 8 - KnightTime News Fall 2018

KNIGHTtime News
GUIDING YOUR COLLEGE PROCESS
By Natalie Ford
Let’s start by saying that I am so thrilled to be here at Menlo! When I switched from the college
side of admissions to the high school side of college counseling, there was never a doubt in my mind that I would face a steep learning curve. As we all know, there are
a lot of colleges out there, which means there is a lot for me to learn. Yet, despite any new job jitters, I have to say that each phase brings with it a new sense of excitement. I’m immediately struck by the resounding sense of kindness and community—whether talking with students and parents during the summer, or passing teachers in the quad, or even receiving smiles and waves from the kids of the childcare center—everyone instantly made me feel part of the Menlo team.
I tackled my summer by getting up to speed so I could be as prepared for the school year as possible.
I dove head rst into learning about the vast and impressive
slew of course options. After reading thousands of high school transcripts while working in college admissions, I can assure you that most high schools do not have
REFLECTIONS
on Being a New College Counselor
“FROM FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCES, I KNOW THAT COLLEGES ARE IMPRESSED THAT MENLO STUDENTS LEAVE HIGH SCHOOL WITH A FOUNDATION ROOTED IN INTELLECTUAL CURIOSITY AND SELF-ADVOCACY.”
the abundance of class choices readily available to them that Menlo does. Many high schools
in the US (and abroad) have a much more prescribed curriculum with less exibility. The fact that Menlo students can take anything from Ethnic Studies and Swords
& Ploughshares to Jazz Dance
and Moviemaking is incredibly compelling, and I hope it is a notion that isn’t taken for granted.
To that end, colleges and universities know Menlo students’ reputation of comprehensive preparedness and are eager to bring our students to their campuses. From rst-hand experiences, I
know that colleges are impressed that Menlo students leave high school with a foundation rooted
in intellectual curiosity and self- advocacy. The fact that over 100 colleges and universities from every
corner of the country visit Menlo to woo students to apply for admission is a testament to that.
Now that the school year is in full swing, the campus has really come to life for me, and it paints a whole new picture. From my o ce, I can see directly out onto the quad as the students relax between classes or unwind with friends. The energy Menlo emits is special, and I feel honored to support students and families through the complexities of the college admissions process.
I am inspired by Menlo’s approach to mindfulness, how it enriches its student body through dynamic classroom experiences, and builds a solid foundation that sets students up for boundless success. I know this is just the tip of the iceberg of an exciting year ahead!
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