Helping Students SHINE!

That's what Jacob Roe thought when he logged into his Stanford portal as an applicant and read his acceptance letter...

Situation: Was raised by a substance-addicted mother and incarcerated father. Neither went to college. Jacob overcame drug addiction at 17, narrowly completed high school, lived by himself in a "shed" while working nights at a nursing facility.

Nudge: Got into a deep discussion with a barber. The barber told Jacob he was smart and should go to college. Jacob blew him off because he didn't have the know-how or means.

Aha Moment: Was scrolling through Sierra Community College website and discovered they have dorms. Thought: "If I emancipate from my parents and complete the FAFSA, I can qualify for tuition and board." He toured Sierra College the next day and registered the following day.  

Follow through: Took pre-med classes, studied hard, got all As, got deeply involved with college clubs, organizations and political efforts. Re-acquainted himself with his native-American heritage and learned of the suffering and inequities of his people. Started focusing on advancing the sovereignty of American Indian/Alaska Native communities through driving reform in federal Indian law and policy. Gained official citizenship in a tribe, changed his major to political science.

College Applications: Worked with Katheryn every 2 weeks for 10 months to make his essays, activities and supplemental material shine. 

Outcome: Was accepted to UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC Davis, UC San Diego, UC Irvine and, yes, Stanford University. Only 1.5% of transfer students are accepted to Stanford each year.

But sometimes it takes time to build a relationship with a student to uncover what makes them come alive, what excites them, what troubles them. How have they approached challenges, disappointments and wins?

It's my job as an experienced writer, interviewer and educator to tap into all the wonders of teenagers and young adults to help them connect stories and ideas that will make them shine on college applications. 

I am here to champion your student!