Destination YOUniversity

Meet Matteo! From: California Attended: Oakland Technical High School Admitted at: UCLA, UCSB, Northeastern, UC Davis, Loyola Marymount University Coolness Factor: Founded and currently run a 501c3, a nonprofit called Oakland Student Service. Major: Business and Communications Merit Earned: $252K

What’s the deal with all of those essays?!

Is your teen at a loss for what to write about? Are they feeling overwhelmed by having to decide what are THE most important parts of their life?

If your teen is overwhelmed with even thinking about the essay portion of their college applications, you should grab them and together, give a listen to this podcast!  In it, I  will share the ONE exercise I typically ONLY give to my students. This method has been teen-proofed and battle tested for over 15 years, and I can still remember perfecting and perfecting it. 

Rising seniors: 

If you are feeling stuck – give the podcast linked below  a listen – I’ll break down what you need to know and give you MY ONE brainstorm exercise that gets all my essay campers UNSTUCK within our first hour of class. I cannot wait to share this with you. 

Listen, every teenager has plenty to write about,  but not every topic has equal value. The trick is to figure out what you ABSOLUTELY must get across to an Admission Officer that spends from 8 – 15 minutes on your file. 

Are you ready to give your teen the help they need and deserve?

How your teen can beef up their resume!

There are more colleges than there are shopping malls, Apple stores, and national parks, combined. With over 4000 colleges and universities, I can promise you that your teen WILL get into college. The average acceptance rate at colleges across the country is over 60%. 

Becoming appropriately involved in activities will help you in your admissions journey.  Every college-bound teen should be active in something at school and/or possibly outside of school. 

For example if a student belongs to a few clubs, organizations, athletics or  performing arts, and shows real commitment to those few, this will help boost the application.  

Not sure what this looks like? 

Choose 1-2 main activities that take up 3-10 hours per week in their high season. For example, service organization on campus, MUN, Robotics, school musical, a sport, Math or Writing Tutors, student government.

Then, if you combine that with 2-4 clubs that you enjoy but likely don’t take more than 5 hours per month, such as Book Club, Art Club, Diversity Club, Compost Club, etc. and/or something outside of school like: Church, Youth & Government, Girl or Boy Scouts or something similar  -- You are good to go!! 

Click below to listen to my podcast about beefing up the resume if: 

Your teen has at least ONE college on their list that admits fewer than 50% of their applicant pool,  which is considered  a ‘selective’ college.

Or if your teen has at least ONE college on their list admitting under 35%, which are considered ‘highly selective’ colleges. 

OR any colleges admitting fewer than 10% of applicants, considered ‘most selective’ or ‘dream’ colleges

Create a list that WORKS for you!

When April of her senior year rolled around, Saige  was only admitted to ONE college. One. She was denied at 14 schools. This story still haunts me to this day. From that day forward I never wanted that crushing rejection to hit another kid as hard as it did for Saige. 

Saige was a solid B student, a few AP courses, average test scores, and a good list of activities. A kid like Saige would have access to any number of colleges across the country, just not the highly selective ones. She was a good writer – but short of having a first novel published, good writing was not going to get her foot in the door of the most selective colleges in the country. And that’s what Saige believed was in her future. I knew it was not. 

When Saige came to my office to finalize her list, a list filled with elite private schools and the top two CA public schools, I knew I had my work cut out for me. We sat for an hour negotiating which schools she should apply to. Like two 4th graders negotiating trades from our  Halloween hauls,  we went back and forth, as I tried to get some appropriate, ‘Target’ schools on her list filled with nothing by pie-in-the-sky ‘Reach’ schools.

That spring, Saige had only ONE college that said YES. Only one.

I learned a tough lesson years ago. The only goal of the college admission process is to maximize each teen’s choices. PERIOD. Parents and teens must let go of their egos and dream adequately, hope appropriately, and remain realistic about a process that sometimes feels unfair and harsh.

Sometimes I have to offer tough love to students like Saige. But, I know that in the end, a student with lots of choices in the spring is a happier student than the one with unrealistic dreams and the probable stack of rejection letters.

I had come to the conclusion that he had only a few topics to write about; one included his community service trip. I made the mistake of sharing this with his parents and when we spoke on the phone, the father said “…but I recently listened to a podcast and the guest said she might die if she read another essay about building homes in Costa Rica.”  

I remember having that feeling as an Admissions rep at Vassar. 

I said this young man’s parents, “Believe me, I completely agree 1000%. But his essay is NOT going to be about what he did – but rather WHY he did it. 

The difference between WHAT and WHY, and why it matters.

Importance of the Essay

The Reality: Which colleges you apply to will be determined by your Academic Qualities (AQs): grades, test scores, and rigor of curriculum. And, while your hard work has earned you the right to apply to selective, and in some cases, highly selective institutions, everyone else in that same applicant pool has the same AQs. Your academic accomplishments are NOT what will get you admitted. 

What will? The Personal Qualities (PQs) revealed in your essays. 

Limited Space: In a college application you have up to five essays to unwrap short stories about YOU. The opportunity to shed light on who you are, where you come from, and what you value comes with only 600 words – 1600 words. That’s it. 

The GOAL Of The Essay: The goal is simple: get the reader to want to learn more about YOU. Period. The way to do that is to create essays that are interesting, engaging, and compelling. Believe me, the WHAT will always be less engaging than the WHY.

The Essay Can Maximize or Minimize Your College Choices: Each year College Admission Officers read thousands of applications from thousands of high schools. It is no wonder that they all begin to look and sound the same. The role of the essay, when done well, is to maximize your college options. Each of your essays is an opportunity to convince the reader to advocate for you and ultimately admit you. 

There are No Do-Overs in this process. 

When it comes to the college essay, it is critical to get it right the first time.

Ever feel like every morning is a Chinese fire drill. Your kids test your patience in moving as slowly as possible to get ready and get out of the house on time. Carpool, drop-offs, and, oh, and did we eat breakfast? Do you have your homework? Athletic equipment? Who’s picking you up? What time are you done with rehearsal, practice, tutoring? 

You’ve moved mountains all before 7:30am. Exhaustion sets in about 9am. 

Now, I want you to picture the night before college applications are due. Trust me, you do NOT want to be running around like a Chinese fire drill wondering if your teenager will actually make the deadline. You pacing the floor while your kid is still looking up the awards won in sophomore year! Ugh. That is not what I want for you. 

Parents, I don’t want you to get to November and feel rushed, feel like a nagging parent, and find yourself and your teen hitting send at 11:50pm just before the final deadline. 

No. Nope. Not on my watch. 

In today’s podcast episode:

You Will Learn: The Importance of Having a 4-Year College Admission Plan 

You Will Leave With: What To Do Prior To Senior Year and how to prepare if you’re just getting started

Located in Pittsburgh, PA, Carnegie Mellon is a medium size institution home to about 7300 undergraduate students. In 2022, CMU accepted about 11 % of the applicant pool. 

The best way to learn about Carnegie Mellon is to tell the TALES of its founders:

Born in 1835 in Scotland, Andrew Carnegie immigrated to the US in 1848. According to Wikipedia - by the 1860s Carnegie had investments in railroads, railroad sleeping cars, bridges and oil derricks. He built Carnegie Steel Company which he later sold to JP Morgan in 1901 for 480 million dollars. With this sale, Andrew Carnegie surpassed Rockefeller as the richest man in America. He spent the remainder of his life as a philanthropist – and built  Carnegie Hall, Carnegie Institution for Science, Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, and of course, Carnegie Mellon University, first formed as Carnegie Institute of Technology. 

Richard B. Mellon assumed the presidency of Mellon bank, after his brother, Andrew Mellon was appointed Treasury Secretary. Richard’s prior experience included President of Pittsburgh Reduction Company and he was invested in the city’s Coal Company. Richard and his brother Andrew made several large donations to their alma mater, University of Pittsburgh, including a large sum to create the Mellon Institute of Industrial Research, founded in 1913.

In 1967 the Carnegie Institute of Technology and Mellon Institute of Industrial Research merged to form Carnegie Mellon University.  

Given the backgrounds of the two men, it is no wonder that the College of Engineering is consistently ranked in the top 10 in the US and US News and World Report has the Tepper School of Business ranked as #6 this year. If you are looking for top engineering and/or business programs, CMU offers a quality education and a rich city in which to take what you learn in the classroom and apply it in a work experience. 

There are TWO more cool things about CMU:

First, the campus is covered in red circles that line the sidewalk at CMU. Like golden stars on Hollywood Blvd, Carnegie Mellon proudly boasts :

114 Emmy Award Winners, 43 Tony Award laureates, 9 Academy Award Winners

Please NOTE: You MUST audition for the School of Drama and School of Music – your admission to the college 80% audition and 20% academic. 

Second, they have an annual spring carnival. Students build incredibly colorful, innovative, and imaginative booths and super fun competitions that only the creative minds CMU students could create.  The best part of this tradition is that school shuts down for three full days so everyone can enjoy the fun.  This tells me that the college understands that college is not just about academics, but rather it is also about fun and memory making. When a college recognizes that students are rejuvenated by innovation, creation, imagination, and relaxation – they are better equipped to push through the home stretch of the school year.

A private college that grows heart and mind.

I am a product of a large university. I am proud of my USC experience, but honestly,  there is nothing quite as comforting as a small school. You feel the difference almost immediately. Upon my arrival in the Admission office – I was greeted, given a packet and invited to refreshments in a cozy waiting room.  I drank my water on the blue couch in front of a fireplace and waited to be escorted down the hallway to a room that was once the inside of a chapel with stone colored brick and vibrant stained-glass windows.  

Founded in 1861, Xavier is the 6th oldest Catholic college in the US and located in Cincinnati, OH.  It is home to just over 4000 Musketeers 

What does it mean to be a Jesuit Institution?  It means they are committed to a well rounded to liberal arts education and social justice.

Here are three things to note about Xavier University:

First:  Sticking with the warm, welcoming, comfortable feel of a small school – the Xavier community can be best summed up by describing Freshman Orientation – known to Musketeers as “MAN-REE-SA” 

Imagine your first day of college – you drive up with your parents with a car full of boxes and you are scared to death and your parents are trying to hold it together. 

When all of a sudden – neon t-shirts descend onto your car as you pull up – and a small village of upperclassmen unload your boxes and personally deliver them to your room!! 

Shortly thereafter – you say good-bye to that empty car load now only filled with love -  and YOU  spend the next 72 hours enmeshed with your MAN – REE- SA group – and begin discovering new friends that just might be your friends for life. 

I cannot imagine a better way to be greeted on the first day of college. 

Second: there are a few programs that will require an additional application and/or process for admission. I want to point out two: 

Radiologic Technology – 2 year and 4 year program 

This requires and meeting with head of the program  - Donna Endicott 

They have rolling admissions – so the sooner the better 

Please write down – this program has a 100% job placement rate within 6 months of graduation.

Nursing – 

There is room for about 130 nurses each year --  deadline to apply January 15 

Minimum 3.0 GPA AND 24 ACT with 21 in Math

Please note here – the admission process begins after January 15 and ALL applicants are notified 4-6 weeks later. 

Finally: Xavier basketball:  This is big time DI basketball. The “cross town shootout” is an annual big game against out of conference rival, University of Cincinnati.

Students camp out – outside of the Cintas Center waiting to be let in. The Head Coach has been known to come bearing gifts of pizza and the like. 

Don’t overlook what you might call “small schools” – a college that can grow your heart and your mind – is worth investigating!

I have been to a Michigan football game and there is honestly nothing like it. My heart is with the Trojans – but I admit – even having been there on a rainy day – “The Big HOUSE” is amazing. A sea of Maize and Blue - The cheers and coordinated waves literally shake the “big house.” The student section is packed with students. I took one look at the bleacher seating and thought “there is not enough room for all of us to sit.” Well -- Far be it from me to judge – I did not sit for even one minute. I would not want to be the opposing team in this house. But – enough about football – I want to give you some cool facts about Michigan that you might not know.

With more than 50 national championships in 12 spots – the Wolverines are a force to be reckoned with in Division 1 collegiate sports. With that said – what is worth writing down is this:

Michigan is not just all about football. There are a total of 16 acapella groups:

Amazin' Blue is the University of Michigan's oldest and only university-sponsored co-ed a cappella ensemble. Founded in 1987, AB has produced 15 studio albums, performed around the nation, and is the most decorated a cappella group at U of M. Their name is a pun on the University of Michigan's colors, maize and blue... get it?

You can watch Amazin Blue on YouTube – including their performance in the ICCA finals in New York City.

My very good friend, Sheetal, was a member of AB and she shared her favorite memory -

We would go to an outdoor spot called the Arcade and would do impromptu, casual performances for anyone that wanted to show up and listen. We were a popular group at the time, with consistently sold-out shows, so a random arcade sing was a treat for us, as well as for students passing by on the street. Loved this tradition!

The cool thing about the acapella groups is that it reminds me that – even in what can seem like an athletic dominated place -- there IS something for everyone. That – my friends – is the beauty of a LARGE university.

DO NOT LET YOUR preconceived notions about a school determine whether you visit or not – if you are already in the area or close enough – do it – take the leap and hear what they have to say and ask questions. It may not be for you –but you don’t want to miss out if in fact what the admission office offers the “Perfect Pitch.”

OK – let us end with the Admission Numbers

The University of Southern California

Faithful, Scholarly, Skillful, Courageous, Ambitious. 

When I think back to my experience as a Trojan,  I can only describe it as a feeling that I went to school with a bunch of superheroes. The bravado, confidence, and can-do spirit found in Trojans is equal to that of Wonder Woman, Superman, Batman, and Captain America. But it is the will and the desire to save the world,  or at least the small part of his or her world,  that is the real spirit of USC. The capes we wear, the causes we fight for, and the communities we serve make me proud to be a Trojan. 

With the idea of a superhero in mind, it is no surprise that USC’s  Norman Topping Student Aid Fund is the only student initiated, student funded, primarily student administered scholarship in the nation. Let me repeat – the ONLY student funded scholarship in the nation. 

According the NTSAF website and history – here is the tale:

After a 1970 protest about the homogeneity of the student body, a referendum established a system whereby every academic semester all students enrolled in more than one unit were assessed a nominal fee of $4.00. Ron McDuffie and Dan Smith, two USC undergraduate students came up with the idea to create a fund that would provide qualified low income students, particularly those from the communities surrounding USC, the opportunity to receive scholarship assistance.

To this date, the student self-assessed semester fee has increased to $8.00 which has allowed the NTSAF to contribute over $10 million in scholarships to USC students.  

If you are a first generation to college student and will apply to USC this is an additional scholarship you can consider. Google: USC Norman Topping Student Aid Fund.

USC ALUMNI CONTINUE AS SUPERHEROS IN THE REAL WORLD

Each year, thousands of Trojans gather across the globe to make a difference in their communities. The USC Alumni Day of Service is an opportunity for all alumni and friends to participate in local service volunteer projects organized by our USC alumni clubs, chapters and other affiliated groups worldwide. If you are a Trojan alumnus,  Google USC Day of Service to see how you can participate.

The Ivy League consists of eight schools:

Brown Harvard

Columbia Princeton

Cornell University of Pennsylvania

Dartmouth Yale

While all eight elite schools have been in existence for more than 150 years, and most for well over 200 years (Harvard was founded in 1636!), did you know that that the term IVY LEAGUE was born in 1954, when the eight schools formed a Division I Athletic league?

I don’t have to tell you that these eight schools are among the most competitive in our nation to earn an offer of admission. But to me the most intriguing about nearly any institution across the country is their traditions.

Here is a flavor of what you’ll find at three Ivy League schools.

A Visual and Symbolic Tradition comes from BROWN:

The Van Wickle Gates at Brown University are opened only twice per year. The gates open inward towards the campus as new freshmen walk into the campus and are welcomed home. At commencement the gates turn outward as the graduates step out of the comforts of campus and are ready to take flight.

PRINCETON Tigers: Have a Tradition of a Fierce and Fiesty Competition

Known as Cane Spree – This event was literally was born out of street riots between freshmen and sophomore Princeton students in the 1860s. Over time the event resembled more of a Freshman-Sophomore Field Day – competing in a variety of sports. Today the battle for class supremacy takes place each fall on Powers Field.

YALE: Tradition of Celebration

The Freshman Holiday Dinner takes place each December in Commons Dining Hall. All 1300 freshmen dress up and enjoy lights, ice sculptures, and overabundance of sweet savory food choices and decadent desserts. Food is enough to make any college student ravenous. This is quite a celebration for completing their first semester of college.

So let’s talk some numbers:

Located in Ithica, NY, Cornell is the largest of these institutions with a total of over 14 thousand total students and a freshman class of over 3300. The smallest is Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, with a total of 4300 students and 1100 freshmen.

The number of high school seniors applying to these eight schools range from 20,000 to over 45 thousand applicants at any one college – with 5 schools well in the 30 thousand range. The acceptance rate at these schools has dropped to under 10%

You can apply to each of the Ivy League colleges through the Common Application at Commonapp.org

I cannot emphasize enough just how competitive these schools are to get into. HOWEVER – students everywhere DO in fact get in each year – and that too could be you. My advice is simple: make a plan sooner rather than later that includes meeting with your college counselor. If you are a freshman – make an appointment before the end of the year and get to talking and planning. If you are a junior – please go see your counselor – decide now on steps you can take immediately to make your application more compelling between today and the fall.

Alabama: “Million Dollar Band” 

Today I honor my father, Benjamin Colon  - otherwise known as Benny or Dad 

Dad was the Drum Major at Dominguez High School, and he LOVED bands and music!

A college marching band adds tradition, pomp and circumstance, fight song, the alma mater, and the memories of college football, basketball, and those crazy pep rallies.

Alabama’s marching band is known as “The Million Dollar Band” 

My research led me to Alabama Alumnus, William Champ Pickens, who bestowed the name on the band after the 1922 football game against Georgia Tech. The Crimson Tide lost 33-7 to the Yellow Jackets. Atlanta sportswriter commented to Pickens, “You don’t have much of a team, what do you have at Alabama?” To that, Champ proudly answered, “A Million Dollar Band.” And so the name stuck. 

That was in 1922 – hard to believe Alabama ever had a losing season!

You might know the name “Bear” Bryant. For 25 years, he coached the Alabama football team. Coach Bryant’s collection of 323 collegiate wins includes 13 Conference Championships and 6 National Titles with the University of Alabama. 

What I love about this legendary coach is this: he often gave the Million Dollar Band partial credit for the many football victories. What a true gentleman! 

University of Alabama

Large, public institution - With at total of over 32K students

7500 freshmen – that’s big!

Priority Deadline: February 1 

Gonzaga Bulldogs

I’m sure you’ve heard of  these famous Jesuit institutions, Boston College, Georgetown University Marquette – but have you hear of Gonzaga?.

According to Wikipedia – Gonzaga made their CINDERELLA RUN in  1999 – and became a household name by making it to the Elite 8 with a win over Florida.

Since then - Bulldogs have appeared 25 times in the NCAA tournament.

GONZAGA UNIVERSITY

Founded: 1887

Located in Spokane, WA – 300 miles due east of Seattle

Size: 5160 / about 1200 freshmen

52% Women

51% Out of State

Colors: Red and Blue

Mascot: Spike the Bulldog

Nickname: Zags

NOTEABLE ALUMNI:

Father Greg Boyle: founder of Homeboy Industries and Author of Tattoos of the Heart

When you grow up dreaming of becoming a Trojan, and then become one, you just can’t seem to bring yourself to try on anything in powder blue, let alone wear it. As an adult,  I chose to become a Bruin when I attended the doctoral program at UCLA. I have fond memories and met incredible colleagues at UCLA. This is my tribute to Bruins everywhere.

Bar none, UCLA is a top academic research institution AND top DI athletic program!

UCLA  has the perfect combination of attracting the serious student who is also a die hard advocate of the Bruins! Bruins spend their days working to solve world problems and spend their free time donning their favorite powder blue shirts. You really can’t go wrong with choosing any major, while also knowing there is plenty to get involved with on this top notch campus!

The DI athletics – WOW – no other university has won more National Championships than UCLA. Bruins have earned 133 Championships. That’s right – 133!!

You might be surprised that the men’s team with the most national titles is: Men’s Volleyball with 19, followed by Men’s tennis with 16, then men’s basketball coming in at 11!

As for our female Bruins – the softball team has earned 11 national championships, women’s water polo has earned 7, and the darlings of gymnastics have won 6 national titles.

Men’s Soccer team has won 4 NCAA Championships and is always in the hunt for the next one.

Season 7, Episode 161

College Spotlight: University of Oregon

Which college has a combined Men’s and Women’s 20 NCAA Championships in track and field?

University of Oregon does.  I remember being on campus in the summer of 2016 – U of Oregon was hosting the Track and Field Olympic Trials. With eighteen varsity teams, the Oregon Ducks are best known for their football team and track and field program. This fact becomes both more interesting and  more logical when you learn that UO has a very special relationship with a little company known as NIKE.  It was a UO that little idea for a company was born at U of Oregon.

Season 7, Episode 160

College Spotlight: Northwestern University

Northwestern University does seem to have it all - top academics, DI athletics, highly impressive students, AND quick access to a major city. With Lake Michigan as your backyard for four years, what is not to love? Oh – and – I just have to mention that Julia Louie Dryfus is an alum of Northwestern. She was once watching her son play basketball at the school where I was the principal. I was nervous but I walked right over to introduce myself and told her I was a big fan. I still am – and she was wonderful!

Here are THREE things you need to know about Northwestern University:

ONE: Northwestern attracts students from all over the world

It shouldn’t have surprised me but – it piqued my interest to learn that the 8000 students at Northwestern represent 75 countries

As I walked around campus, albeit the end of the school year – It did feel more diverse than most campuses I’ve been to.  It was terrific to  hear so many different  languages being spoken.

TWO – Academic emphasis with good connections with professors

THREE: Student Run campus. The school is focused on  training student leaders.

For example:

Dance Marathon

1500 students dance for 30 hours straight as a Fundraiser for a different organization each year.

What I loved about this tradition is that in March 2017, Northwestern students raised 1.3 million dollars for Gigi's Playhouse

This event is completely student run and operated by an Executive board that plans, coordinates, manages a huge budget, supervises workers – every detail!

Imagine having the opportunity to run a small organization with a 100K or 500K dollar budget – all before you turn 21! I can’t tell you what an opportunity that would be for you in developing leadership and management skills for the future.

Here are the facts and figures:

Season 7, Episode 159

College Spotlight: Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame, IN

While I am a product of a co-educational collegiate experience – I will admit that my life was forever changed when I discovered institutions whose sole mission is to empower young women. Saint Mary’s College is set in a college town, with a beautiful sprawling campus, and next door neighbor as Notre Dame University. But it is the empowerment of young women that serves as the headliner for this  notable women’s college.

FIRST:

St. Mary’s was invited to merge with then all-boys Notre Dame University in the early 1970s and chose to stay committed to their mission of educating women.

SECOND:

Their choir has performed all over the world

THIRD:

Saint Mary’s College offers nearly 60 majors, and students are able to take classes at Notre Dame. Further, Saint Marys and Notre Dame share traditions, activities, clubs, campus events, you name it!

Season 7, Episode 158

College Spotlight: Miami University (OH)

If you want a great education on a traditional college campus – at a public school price – this is the place to be! AND – as a bonus – if you are a hopeless romantic like me, this place has a great tradition for love birds.

Located in Oxford, Ohio, Miami is home to 19K students, with just about 17,000undergraduates. Students are represented from all 50 states and the District of Columbia And 86 countries.

Miami University has been labeled one of the country’s ‘Public Ivies’  and it has   “The brains of a big university, heart of a small school”

Here are 3 things I love about Miami:

First: The feel of the campus and local town

Second: The Hopeless Romantic Tradition (click below to hear about this unique tradition)

Third: The Tuition Promise -  Whatever the tuition is when your child arrives on campus is the tuition price for ALL FOUR YEARS!!

Curious about what makes Miami University so special?  Click below to watch or listen

Season 7, Episode 157

College Spotlight: Seton Hall

This university’s alumni tell their story of achievement -- from the first class that included three signers of the Declaration of Independence and a signer of the Constitution to a Nobel Prize-winning scientist, a Tony Award-winning choreographer and the 46th president and 47th vice president of the United States.

Other Notable alumni include: First Lady of the United States Jill Biden (B.A. 1976); New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, Super Bowl XLVII's MVP Joe Flacco.

Quick Facts and Figures:

History:

The private academy from which the university grew was founded in 1743, making it one of the oldest in the nation. However, UD was not chartered as an institution of higher learning until 1833. Historian John Munroe toasted UD’s original class as "possibly the most distinguished in terms of the later achievements of its members, taken as a whole, of any class in any school in America."  Those first students would go on to become statesmen, doctors, merchants and scholars. Thomas McKean, George Read and James Smith signed the Declaration of Independence, and Read also signed the U.S. Constitution.

This week, I’m excited to share two cool things I learned about UD

Season 7, Episode 156

College Spotlight: Seton Hall

Seton Hall may be known to many as a sports powerhouse, but their students also take their Catholic roots seriously.  According to the Seton Hall website, in 2013 – Hilary Sadlon conducted 21 acts of kindness to celebrate her 21st birthday. Her selfless acts sparked the community to do the same during the Christmas season.

What I love about this tradition is this: You do not have to be Catholic or Christian to offer the world simple acts of kindness.

The truth is  – you may make your college list based on your head but you will choose a  college based on your heart.

The HOW do I feel, and WHY do I feel this way comes so much later in the process, but really should come at the front end. That gut feeling you have when you meet “the one” – THAT comes from the heart.

Season 7, Episode 155

College Spotlight: Chapman University

Season 7, Episode 154

College Spotlight: U Pittsburgh 

This 42 story Cathedral of Learning is the tallest educational building in the Western Hemisphere. Learn which university stopped me dead in my tracks.

I am so excited to share the  University of Pittsburgh with you. I must admit – I was on my way to another institution and stopped dead in my tracks when I saw what could only be the building known as the Cathedral of Learning. This 42 story Cathedral of Learning is the tallest educational building in the Western Hemisphere. Zachary – whom I met in Pittsburgh told me that was his favorite spot when he was a student there.

First, a few facts about University of Pittsburgh:

UP was Founded as Pittsburgh Academy in 1787.

U Pitt is a large public institution, home to over 26K undergraduate students with an additional over 9K graduate students.

Now the good stuff! Here are THREE things I want you to know about the Cathedral of Learning, found at the center of the University of Pittsburgh.

Season 7, Episode 153

College Spotlight: Vassar College

This college turned down Yale’s offer to merge. Instead, Vassar opened its doors to men in 1969.

For full disclosure and as you will discover in my book – I worked at Vassar College for four years in Residence Life and the Admission Office. Many of the tales in the book are inspired by real life adventures at Vassar. I have said many times that Vassar is one of the most beautiful campuses I have been to – and I have been to likely 100 campuses over the last 20 + years. It was true when I had only been to 5 and it remains a true statement today.

I am excited to share with you my three favorite things about Vassar.

Season 6, Episode 150

Student Leader, Debater, and, Podcaster.

MEET: Janah

From: Chicago

Attends: Walter Payton College Prep

Admitted to:  Princeton, UPenn, Georgetown, Cornell, UVA, Howard, U Illinois, Barnard

Coolness factor: Started her own podcast and wants to become POTUS!

Major:  Political Science, Public Service

Merit Earned:  $208K

FREE: Download 10 Sample Essays https://www.drcynthiacolon.com/10-sample-college-essay

FREE: Watch Mini College Essay Training https://www.drcynthiacolon.com/essay-mini-training

Book Call with Dr. C: https://www.drcynthiacolon.com/schedule

Season 6, Episode 149

She Dreams of Ivy League and Becoming POTUS!

MEET: Janah

From: Chicago

Attends: Walter Payton College Prep

Admitted to:  Princeton, UPenn, Georgetown, Cornell, UVA, Howard, U Illinois, Barnard

Coolness factor: Started her own podcast and wants to become POTUS!

Major:  Political Science, Public Service

Merit Earned:  $208K

FREE: Download 10 Sample Essays https://www.drcynthiacolon.com/10-sample-college-essay

FREE: Watch Mini College Essay Training https://www.drcynthiacolon.com/essay-mini-training

Book Call with Dr. C: https://www.drcynthiacolon.com/schedule

Season 6: Episode 139

A Biomedical Engineer who gained a love of healthcare from volunteering at hospitals!

MEET: Jacqueline

From: California

Attends: Lynwood HS

Admitted at: UC Davis, UC Riverside, Cal Poly Pomona, CSUF, U Nebraska

Coolness Factor: Worked 30 hours per week

Major: Biology

Merit Earned: $60K for Lincoln University

FREE: Download 10 Sample Essays https://www.drcynthiacolon.com/10-sam...

FREE: Watch Mini College Essay Training https://www.drcynthiacolon.com/essay-...

Book Call with Dr. C: https://www.drcynthiacolon.com/schedule

Season 6: Episode 132

This Social Media Maven made her teacher ‘Tik Tok famous’!

Alum of Dream College Academy and College Essay Bootcamp

MEET KENZIE

From: Rhode Island

Attends: Cumberland High School

Admitted to: Penn State, University of Connecticut, University of Delaware, U Mass Amherst, James Madison University

Coolness Factor: Runs her school’s social media accounts and went viral on Tik Tok

Major: Communications

Merit Earned: $68k

FREE: Download 10 Sample Essays https://www.drcynthiacolon.com/10-sam...

FREE: Watch Mini College Essay Training https://www.drcynthiacolon.com/essay-...

Book Call with Dr. C: https://www.drcynthiacolon.com/schedule

When it comes to college admissions, the ONLY goal is to MAXIMIZE choices. That’s it.

You’re invited!!

When it comes to college admissions, the ONLY goal is to MAXIMIZE choices. That’s it.

You’re invited!!

When it comes to college admissions, the ONLY goal is to MAXIMIZE choices. That’s it.

You’re invited!!

When it comes to college admissions, the ONLY goal is to MAXIMIZE choices. That’s it.

You’re invited!!

When it comes to college admissions, the ONLY goal is to MAXIMIZE choices. That’s it.

You’re invited!!

Season 1: #10 - Thrya Briggs:Stay True. Be True. Get Admitted

When we are young, we tend to go with the crowd, do what is popular, dress to fit in. It takes courage to be you. We don’t like to admit it, but even as adults, we often fall prey to doing what everyone else says to do. Parents suggest universities they’ve read about in magazines and rating guides. Students listen to the seniors that have come before them and assume they too will find happiness at colleges Suzy, Sophia, Danny or Diego now attend.

To become the best version of yourself takes courage, will, grit, and so much more. But on the other side of that is freedom.

The Lesson is this: Discover what makes you cool. Then, find the college that gets you.

Vice President of Enrollment at Harvey Mudd College, Thyra Briggs, is an advocate is exactly this concept: Be YOU and find the college that says, “YOU are exactly who we’ve been waiting for!”

Get the best tips from VP Briggs on how to find yourself, write about yourself, and find your way to the college that just gets YOU!

Guest Bio:

Thyra Briggs is the Vice President for Admission and Financial Aid at Harvey Mudd College, one of the Claremont Colleges located in Claremont, California. Briggs has been the Vice President at Harvey Mudd since 2007.  Prior to joining Harvey Mudd, Briggs spent fifteen years at Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York where she moved from Admission Counselor to Dean of Enrollment.  During her time at Sarah Lawrence, Briggs also served as curriculum director for the New York State Summer Institute for new admission and college counselors. Since joining Harvey Mudd College, Briggs spent five years serving on the board of the Common Application, including one year as chair. She graduated from Connecticut College magna cum laude with a double major in religious studies and child development.

Get FREE College Admission Essay Help:

Season 1: #5 - Maria Furtado: “Know” Before No.

There are over 4000 colleges and universities in the US. Let me let that sink in for a moment. There are more colleges than there are shopping malls, Apple stores, amusement parks, and national parks COMBINED. I’ve researched and/or visited over one hundred colleges, but I could not begin to name more than maybe 300.

My question this week is, “How many could you name?” My guess is that most people would name the same 50 -150. So if this is true, why do so many shake their head, “No” to a college they’ve never heard of?

Where did we learn this? Teachers everywhere teach students that when you don’t know something, if you don’t have the answer, you should ask questions. You can ask the teacher, ask a parent, ask you neighbor, or phone a friend.

This week our guest, Maria Furtado, the Executive Director and national spokeswoman for Colleges That Change Lives, shares her journey to college. As the first in her family to attend college, Maria applied two golden rules; 1) Follow The Leader, and 2) Know before No.

Maria’s story will open your mind and heart to a group of 44 colleges and inspire you to fall in love with the college admission process. She believes you can land at your perfect destination: YOUniversity.

Guest Bio

Maria Furtado is the Executive Director of the non-profit organization, Colleges That Change Lives. She has worked in higher education for over 20 years, and she worked at two CTCL schools, Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts, and Eckerd College in St Petersburg, Florida.

Maria speaks all around the country to students, parents and counselors about college rankings and popular misperceptions about college admission, the strength and worth of a liberal arts education, the lifelong value of a college education – the return on investment - and offers tips for students and parents on how to manage the college search.

She really enjoys helping students and families as they take on the college search process, and she believes that finding the right college should be about "fit,” not just settling or chasing the name brand. Maria also believes that it's OK, and actually preferable, to enjoy talking about colleges. She also thinks the college search should actually be fun.

Get FREE College Admission Essay Help:

Season 1: #2 - Julie Taylor-Vaz: Ivy or Intuition

Find Your Team of Supporters. Being accepted to an Ivy League doesn’t come by chance, it begins with a community of believers who push you to work hard, follow the plan, grow as a leader, and dream big. Find your team and achieve!

My question this week is simple: “Are the institutions we covet the perfect choice for everyone?” If you were admitted to an Ivy institution, would you turn it down? What circumstances would make you choose otherwise?

This week our guest, Julie Taylor-Vaz shares her journey to college from the Crescent City of New Orleans. Discover how Julie followed the guidance of mentors and family members, found glory in every success, and in the end, listened to her gut in choosing what would become her home for over a decade.

Every success story begins with a team of supporters, village of cheerleaders, and community of believers. Hear how this Director of College Counseling found her team that helped her land at her perfect destination: YOUniversity.

Bio:

Julie Taylor-Vaz has been a professional educator for thirty years, serving first as an undergraduate admission officer for Stanford University and then as a college counselor at three different K-12 independent schools. Currently, she serves as Director of College Counseling at The Buckley School, in Sherman Oaks, California.

She is a member of several professional organizations, including the National Association for College Admission Counseling. She is a former instructor for UCLA Extension’s college counseling certificate program, and has presented at a wide variety of professional conferences sponsored by NACAC, the College Board, the Independent Educational Consultants Association, and the National Association for Independent Schools.

Julie has moved back and forth between the Gulf Coast and the West Coast, and considers both New Orleans and Los Angeles her homes. She is married, with two children, who have attended the independent schools where she has served.

Get FREE College Admission Essay Help:

#45 - Kevin Hudson: Push. Pursue. Plan. Princeton.

Are you a dreamer? If your child has big college dreams and dares to share them with you and with the world, this show is for you. If you have no idea how or where to begin in your search for colleges, this show is for you.

My guest today, Kevin Hudson, grew up in New Jersey , and at the age of 13 , before his mother passed, she had instilled in him the value of a good education. Kevin shares his journey to Princeton University and you will learn exactly who helped pave the path for him; teachers, coaches, mentors, and even his high school peers. Today, Kevin helps pave the path for teens across the nation.

Kevin Hudson bio is filled with impressive schools, organizations, and serves on boards and scholarship programs. More impressive than his resume is Kevin’s enthusiasm for demystifying selective college admissions and opportunity.

This episode offers insight for every family, no matter your background and reminds everyone that we can all dream and dream big.

Kevin Hudson Bio:

Kevin C. Hudson joined Princeton as assistant director for college opportunity in 2015. He assists the Vice Provost in facilitating the commitment to expand socioeconomic diversity access and opportunity at Princeton. He collaborates with Princeton’s Preparatory Program, Summer Journalism Program, Freshman Scholars Program, and Scholars Institute Fellows Program, and with external organizations,  American Talent Initiative, Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America, and Matriculate. He began his career as an admission officer at Princeton University. Kevin earned his bachelor’s degree from Princeton University and his M.S.Ed in Higher Education Management from University of Pennsylvania. He has served as a reader Gates Millennium Scholars and Dell Scholars. Kevin serves on various boards including the New Jersey Scholars Program, Princeton Blairstown Center, College Board Middle States Regional Council and the International Baccalaureate College and University Relations Committee.

Learn the 5 Biggest Mistakes Teens Make and the 4 Most Common Essay Topics:

#43 - Claudia Marroquin: RIGHT PLACE. RIGHT TIME. Bowdoin College May Be RIGHT FOR YOU

They say that luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.

High School graduation is the ultimate sign of preparation. It is the culmination of 13 years of training for the marathon we call life. From high school, students head off into a variety of paths and futures, some include heading off to colleges 3000 miles away from home.

If you know a student who has been admitted to Bowdoin College, located in Brunswick, Maine, you might call that student “lucky,” or another way of talking about luck is to say a student was at the right place at the right time.

Today’s guest, Claudia Marroquin, serves as the Director of Admissions at Bowdoin, she knows a thing or two opportunity. After applying to 14 colleges, Claudia was considered lucky, yet her personal story is about preparation since elementary school.

Claudia narrowed down her choices to 4 schools. Today you’ll hear exactly how she chose the right school for her. You do not want to miss this very personal story today.

Claudia Marroquin Bio:

Claudia Marroquin is a 2006 graduate of Bowdoin College and joined the admissions office in 2010. She has overseen the expansion of the college’s multicultural recruitment efforts through fly-in programs for underrepresented students and has increased Bowdoin’s partnerships with community based organizations across the country, such as College Horizons and QuestBridge. As Director of Admissions, Claudia oversees the operations of the admissions office including hiring and supervision of staff, manages the operating budget, works on recruitment and enrollment strategy, and has served on a variety of campus-wide committees and working groups. She is a member of IACAC, NACAC, and NECBAC, where she served as chair of the finance committee from 2015-2017.  In Maine, she has participated in leadership development through the Institute for Civic Leadership and served as a board member for Hardy Girls, Healthy women.

Learn the 5 Biggest Mistakes Teens Make and the 4 Most Common Essay Topics:

#40 - Marcela Mejia Martinez: Chapman University: The 2nd Happiest Place On Earth

What Do You Dream Of?

What Do You Believe In?

What Would You Change In The World?

How Would You Improve The Lives Of Others?

There are many people and institutions who dare to answer these questions

But it is the FEW who actually  -- ASK, ANSWER, AND ACHIEVE. Chapman University achieves 4 stars on all of these fronts. They are dreamers AND achievers!

Located just 5 miles from the Happiest Place On Earth,

Chapman University just might be the 2nd Happiest Place On Earth.

My guest today, Marcela Mejia Martinez, is the embodiment of the Chapman Spirit, or what I will forever call “Chapman’s Happiness Factor.”

Marcela reveals how her big brother influenced her college choice, what a single gender high school education offered her, and what she wishes she would have included in her own college application. As a bonus, Marcela offers tips on how to answer Chapman’s diversity and inclusion question.

Marcela Mejia Martinez Bio:

As the Assistant Vice President of Admission, Marcela Mejia Martinez leads undergraduate admission at Chapman University. Marcela has lead the undergraduate team to adopt a values-based, student-centered approach. She has been able to proclaim the college’s rise in diversity, in academic quality, increased retention and graduation rates, and changes to campus culture. A steadfast advocate for liberal arts and first-generation students, she is frequently called upon to speak on these issues. Prior to Chapman, she worked in admission and financial aid at her alma mater, Loyola Marymount University. She is a member of International ACAC, WACAC, and NACAC and has presented at each of these conferences as well as College Board and Council of International Schools conferences. Marcela is a 3-year faculty member of College Board’s Summer Institute and has served on the CIS Latin American Committee for 8 years. She lives in Orange County with her husband as proud parents of two young men.

Learn the 5 Biggest Mistakes Teens Make and the 4 Most Common Essay Topics:

Season 1: # 8 - Yvonne Romero daSilva: Math Whiz. MIT Alumna. Change Maker.

With everything happening a million miles per minute, what captures the attention of kids is a game and a chance at winning coins, points, and bragging rights.

The truth is, nothing has changed. I remember getting stars on the class chart for each level of multiplication. Dr. Romero da Silva remembers the challenging questions on a test she took as a first grader.

Kids can and do fall in love with school, the challenges in class, and become life long learners. Our job as adults, educators, and parents, is to nurture that curiosity.

Raised in Southern California, this math whiz tutored high school seniors as a freshman. Yvonne loved school because she was involved in organizations, engaged in the classroom, and surrounded herself with curious friends.

Learn from this MIT alumna how she is shaping the national conversation on college admissions. Dr. Yvonne Romero da Silva will inspire you to become a change maker in your home, at your school, and in your community.

Yvonne M. Romero da Silva Bio:

Yvonne M. Romero da Silva, Vice President for Enrollment, manages the admissions, enrollment, and financial aid services for all undergraduate students at Rice University.  Prior to Rice, Dr. Romero da Silva served as the Vice Dean and Director of Admissions at the University of Pennsylvania.  From 2005 to 2012, she worked at the College Board as a corporate strategist and specialist in higher education enrollment services. From 1994 to 2002 she led minority recruitment initiatives at MIT.  Romero da Silva gained national attention for her successful strategic enrollment planning efforts and for the development of a new holistic evaluation process at UPenn. She earned her BA in mathematics from the MIT, an MA in education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.  In 2017, Romero da Silva earned her doctorate degree in higher education administration from the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education.

Learn the 5 Biggest Mistakes Teens Make and the 4 Most Common Essay Topics:

“Think less about what you think we want to hear, and more about what you want to say.” Gary Clark, Director of Undergraduate Admission at UCLA.

The University of California receives more applications than any other public or private institution in the country. UCLA ranks number one as the leader of the board, having received over 135 thousand applicants in each of the last two years. (nearly 150K for the class applying for entrance fall of 2022)

If you ever wanted to get in the brain of the Director of Admission at a highly selective institution, you will not be disappointed. I traveled to visit Gary live on the UCLA campus and we did the show from his office.

The interview is broken up into three parts. Here are a few key highlights of what Gary Clark shared in each section of the interview:

Part 1: Gary Clark’s Describes His Personal Journey

Best Gary Clark “Golden Nuggets” from Part 1:

“If you picture a college diploma hanging on a wall, the name of that institution is in script along the top. We focus so much attention on that, that we forget about the name in the middle of the diploma which is your name.”

LA Catholic Schools 5-Part Mini Series Episode 5

Title: Grandmother & Uncle Raised Her With Catholic Education

Guest: Kelley Manzo, LA Catholic School Graduate, Class of 2021

Her biological parents were unable to raise her. Her grandmother and uncle took her in and raised her. Now known as “mom and dad” - grandma and uncle choose Catholic schools for Kelley. After graduating in 2021 - she is now a freshman in college. Against all odds, she made it, and not only did she make it - Kelley is a young woman other girls can aspire to become.

Oh MY Goodness! You are going to fall in love with Kelley. In this FINAL episode of our 5 - part mini series with LA Catholic schools -- Kelley is the CHERRY On TOP!

Kelley shares with us the village of champions and cheerleaders she had along the way and offers praise and thanks to those who believed in her. Kelley communicates with ease, showes kindness and compassion and she is articulate with her thoughts and ideas and incredibly confident. Kelley IS the epitome of the amazing students who graduate each year from LA Catholic schools.

If you want to hear directly from a Catholic school alumna, this episode is for you.

If you are a sucker for a good story of overcoming the odds, OMG - this episode is definitely for you.

If you want YOUR child to become a young woman/ man with courageous confidence AND a compassionate heart, THIS EPISODE has your name written on it!

Grab your tea, coffee, or beverage of choice -- oh - and you might need a tissue. If you’re like me and cry at Hallmark commercials, trust me - get a tissue. I cried tears of joy for Kelley.

Enjoy this heartwarming story.

Cheers!

LA Catholic Schools 5-Part Mini Series Episode 4

Title: Three Ways Catholic School Teachers Show Love

Guest: Catalina Saenz, Catholic School Principal

You can be a great leader and you can be a great teacher, but the question is, can you be BOTH a GREAT Leader AND Teacher? Until I met Catalina Saenz, I wasn’t sure that was possible. I’m telling you right now, Catalina is the real deal!! As a parent, you want to meet a leader and teacher who can talk the talk AND walk the walk. When she says she cares for you and your child - she means it. AND - can teach math like no other!

Today is part 4 in our 5 part mini-series with LA Catholic School Leaders. Our topic today: Three Ways Catholic Teachers Show Love. Catalina herself attended public school through middle school, then headed to boarding school, and traveled all the way back east to attend Wellesley College and later Harvard School of Education. When I say she has experienced every type of education, I mean it.

In this episode, you will learn about CAtholina’s own education journey and why she choose to put her own children in Catholic schools. As a teacher, principal, AND Parent - she knows exactly what it means to educate the WHOLE child, while also simply showing love and care to each individual student.

If you are not yet convinced that Catholic schools are a good option for you, this episode is for you.

If you are looking to validate your decision on choosing a Catholic school - this episode is definitely for you.

If you just get excited when listening to quality educators and leaders, well, hello - this episode is for you.

Grab your tea, coffee, or beverage of choice!

Enjoy this episode.

LA Catholic Schools 5-Part Mini Series Episode 3

Title: Three Steps To Financing a Catholic School Education

Guests: Theresa Fragoso and Andrew Garcia, Catholic Education Foundation

If you live in Los Angeles, you can find good schools - Public, Charter, Catholic, Private - you name it - you can find what you’re looking for. But like everything in LA - it is not always free. Let me rephrase - when it comes to LA - most things worth having are in fact NOT FREE.

So - if you are in the market for a school for your child, but you’re not sure exactly how to pay for it, well, you’ve come to the right place!  Today is part 3 in our 5 part mini-series with LA Catholic School Leaders. Today’s Topic - you guessed it - 3 STEPS TO FINANCING A CATHOLIC EDUCATION.

Theresa Fragoso and Andrew Garcia will walk you through exactly what to do, how to do it and where to find what you need.

Catholic Education Foundation has helped fund the education of over 100K students across LA Catholic schools and are looking to fund more. Theresa and Andrew want to help you understand all your options before making any final decisions for your child’s future.

As parents - you have MANY expenses when it comes to your child, but remember - education is not an expense, but rather, an investment. If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that I believe that education -- and I mean Tk - 12 + COLLEGE is all about:

WHO your child will meet and eat with, Mentors they will engage with and learn from, ideas they discover and act on, and, “oh, the places they will go!”

THAT, my friends, is the real investment.

Your child’s happy future.

Sit tight everyone! You’re in for a doozie -

Enjoy!

LA Catholic Schools 5-Part Mini Series Episode 2

Title: Four Tips in Finding The Right Catholic School For Your Child

Guest: Anna Marie Silva, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools

If you are anything like me, you just want someone to tell you what to do and you’ll do it. I mean, heck, when it comes to your child’s education, you don’t want to get it wrong. In fact, you will do anything to make sure you get it right, but where do you begin, what do you do, what should you ask, and who do you talk to? Can I get an Amen please.

Well, today, you are in for a treat - today is part 2 in our 5 part mini-series with LA Catholic School Leaders. Today’s guest, Anna-Marie Silva is going to give you FOUR tips -- or what I would actually call the 4 STEPS in finding the perfect school for your child.

Anna-Marie was so good to give concrete advice on how to walk this journey WITH your child, be sure you’ve exhausted your resources BEFORE making a change, how to find and research schools, and finally - why parents MUST become the strongest advocate for their child.

And Oh-Em-Gee -- be sure to stay tuned til close to the end where she shares a heart wrenching and yet heartwarming story about a mother who showed up at her door with two boys in tow. WOW!

If you are the type of parent who wants to give your child more than what you had? This episode is for you.

If you know YOU have to make the first step, but not sure what to do next, this episode is definitely for you.

If you are a parent looking for a partner for your child’s future, buckle up - this episode was made for you!

Enjoy!

LA Catholic Schools 5-Part Mini Series Episode 1

Title:  4 Reasons Families Should Consider Catholic School Education

Guest: Paul Escala, Superintendent, LA Catholic Schools

I don’t know about you, but I love a great leader who can move, motivate or inspire me to do something, take action, do good, or become a better version of myself.

On a recent trip to visit schools for my goddaughter, I found myself asking these very questions. Who will motivate her, which teachers can inspire her, in which environment will she thrive, and where can she become the best version of her future self.

It was the late 80s when a single mother was in search of the right place for her son. She needed a safe place, he needed male role models, and grandma wanted solid values that matched her own.

Through conviction and sacrifice, this single mother sent her son, Paul, to LA Catholic schools where he attended St John Bosco and went on to attend and graduate from Cornell University. Mr. Escala now runs the largest Catholic school district in the country - right here in Los Angeles.

My conversation with Mr. Paul Escala moved and inspired me in a way I had not been in some time now. What became so clear to me was that the sacrifice his mother made was not lost on him. Paul took advantage of every opportunity along the way, brushed off naysayers and had the audacity to dream as a young freshman in high school. His grit and determination served as a reminder to me what life is all about: making the best of your resources and then - paying it forward.

This interview is the first in a mini 5-part series that will run all week.

If you are a parent in search of a safe place, filled with caring adults while teaching solid values alongside math and English - LA Catholic schools may just be what you are looking for.

To quote Paul Escala  “Dream Bigger. Aspire greater. That’s what Catholic schools do.”

Whether you are Catholic, non-Catholic, or a simple JV Catholic like myself - I promise you - any parent who wants the very best for their child will take away something from this episode.

Enjoy!