A Journey from School Halls to Virtual Horizons: Transitioning from Academic Dean to Educational Consultant
Ann LaFemina, Educational Consultant
Now that the new school year is about to start, I’m immersed in a profoundly transformed personal work environment. The bustling corridors and echoes of high school laughter are but distant memories, replaced by the serenity of my home office! The shift marks a momentous change: from Dean of Academic Services and College Counselor to autonomous Educational Consultant on a prestigious consulting team.
During my tenure as Dean of Academic Services & College Counselor, I cultivated a warm and inviting ambiance for students seeking guidance. My responsibilities ranged from supervising counselors to structuring an annual calendar of events. I carefully organized parent-student college planning conferences, orchestrated college workshops, and conducted in-class lessons on college readiness. Additionally, I had the privilege of arranging college and career fairs, guiding students through college tours, and nurturing relationships with higher-ed institutions.
Operating from my home base, my position as Educational Consultant has taken on a fresh perspective. I connect with students and parents by leveraging technology to bridge geographic distances. Guiding families through the intricate college planning and application processes has become my daily activities' hallmark. The digital platform empowers me to engage with various individuals whom I help define and act upon their academic aspirations.
However, this new role plays out in more than just the virtual realm. I'm also at the helm of in-person application workshops, meeting with students and families and attending in-person seminars and professional conferences. These in-person interactions ground my guidance, enhancing the overall experience for those I assist. I play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of students' future endeavors. Crafting compelling activity résumés and brainstorming essay ideas are central to my interactions. Although the setting has evolved, my steadfast commitment to empowering students remains the same. The transformation from a mediator of student-teacher conflicts to a guide in selecting enriching extracurricular activities has been fulfilling and enlightening.
One of the most profound changes has been the transition from the hectic school environment to the tranquility of my home office. The shift from physical proximity to virtual connections has enabled me to engage with families across the globe. Although familiar faces of students and colleagues are now confined to my screen, my enthusiasm and dedication in each interaction continue to radiate vibrantly.
As I embrace this change, I constantly learn and adapt. Periodic visits to post-secondary institutions and attendance at professional webinars and conferences ensure that I’m well-informed about the latest developments in admissions. These insights drive my contributions, which include crafting college-admission-related blogs for our website to disseminate information beyond individual consultations. The essence of my work revolves around fostering student success. Whether presenting webinars, hosting guest presenters, or orchestrating small group application workshops, I thrive by guiding the next generation toward their academic goals.
With each virtual interaction, I'm reminded that the potential of education transcends physical boundaries. My transition from Dean to Educational Consultant may have altered my surroundings, but my vocation as an educator thrives; I will continue to leave an indelible imprint on the lives of those I guide.
As academic seasons ebb and flow, I embrace the rhythm of my role. The computer’s glow is more than pixels—it reflects the aura of aspirations. My keyboard has become my empowerment tool, translating thoughts into words that resonate with students' passions, ambitions, unique strengths and aspirations.
In this dynamic role, I'm constantly adapting and evolving. The adage that learning is a lifelong endeavor defines me more than ever! Each virtual consultation, email exchange, and blog post I create underscores the transformative potential of knowledge. From the familiar grounds of a school building to the uncharted territories of virtual consultations, my core purpose remains constant—guiding and inspiring tomorrow's leaders. I’m grateful for the opportunities that have shaped my evolution.
