Yesterday when I woke up it was 36 degrees outside. Temperatures that low happen rarely here in central Florida, so I eagerly dug deep in my closet for a sweater, wrapped myself in my wool peacoat, and headed out for a day of errands. I pretended I was a kid again walking to school in Maryland, or a young professional on one of my first business trips to Ontario (OK, yesterday wasn't that cold). It was fun to pretend to be in a different place, in a different year. I made a

The week before Thanksgiving, one of my students met up with me in my office and regaled me with stories from her recent campus visits....

(photo artist credit Instagram @joey_bearbower) This week my students fit neatly into two categories: ones who submitted their...

I am not a teenager. Yet, a few years ago, I stood in Target and eyed the book cover of a popular Young Adult novel, intrigued by the quirky illustration and the simple title: Eleanor & Park . I resisted the purchase, but I never forgot that cover. High school seniors write stories that are interesting. I encourage vulnerability, details, a sense of humor, and deep thoughts. I like reading what they write. It’s no surprise that months after a college application season ends,

“hello, when do I need to pick a college by” No capitalization. No punctuation. Perfect. Out of the blue, this text arrived, and I smiled. A mid-January text, reminding me that—at last—the students are now the ones who hold the cards. They get to pick their college. Sure, some are still waiting for admissions decisions—ahem, UF and FSU, and all those late-March notifications—but most students have heard from at least one college, if not more. All the fanciful talk about

Lists! I make grocery lists, agenda checklists, follow-up “to-do” lists. Lots of lists. On index cards, post-its, my iPad, and just plain paper. My seniors now each have a college list – not finalized yet but getting close. These college lists are carefully and thoughtfully crafted after months of discussion and research. And so far, no two college lists are the same. To stay sane, calm, and focused, everyone starts with the same three rules for developing a balanced college

I started out my day by doing a happy dance in front of my home computer before heading out to the office. I simply couldn’t wait to find out my students’ June ACT scores, and I was waiting for one score in particular. It was her third try at reaching the score she needed to qualify for the Bright Futures Scholarship at the Florida Medallion level – and she did it! My practice does not include test prep – I leave that to the test prep experts – but my business does involv

The line started at the Airstream food truck and went straight across the path to the back of the nearby craft tent. I have little...

Marbles, a hair dryer, Hot Wheels track, a globe, Tinker toys, balloons. These items and others combine to create a contraption by Trey Richardson, a high school senior eager to share his final college decision. Another clever student named Cionne had her own “reveal” celebration, tweeting a photo featuring a sliced cake exposing her choice in Carolina Blue. Given the extensive preparation, uncertainty, and stress involved with applying to college, I’ve got to say it’s e

Our son is a college junior, 1150 miles away. This is the first year he has a car with him on campus and it’s not just any car. The...