For those who have followed our blog for a while, you might remember Colleen and Shannon sharing a behind-the-scenes perspective of life at DC College Counseling. Now Staci is joining us for the third installment in our ‘day in the life’ series.

There are just a few days left in 2021, and it’s no surprise to me that this year has gone by so quickly! Taking on a new full-time role at DC College Counseling has kept me very busy. As Colleen once said, there’s truly never a dull moment here, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. Here’s a glimpse into one of my typical days.

5:27AM: There are still a few minutes until my alarm is supposed to go off, but I’m already awake. As my coffee brews, I check my email and notice that a former client (now a sophomore in college) has scheduled an appointment later this week. I’m so excited to catch up and help him with a business program application essay. It’s always so much fun to see all of the great things our students continue to do after high school! 

6:30AM: Even though it’s just a few blocks, I’m regretting my decision to walk to the gym. It’s freezing! But I’m sure an hour of hot yoga will thaw me out. Then it’s time to teach Zumba in the dance studio next door. In my spare time, I’m a group fitness instructor, and with this being a holiday week, there are plenty of classes for me to sub. For all of the students who ask me about the secret to my enthusiasm, this is it. Early morning workouts help me stay energized all day.

9:30AM: After a quick shower, I grab my work bag and head to the neighborhood coffee shop. Luckily, my favorite corner table is open. As I sip on coffee #2 of the day and wait for my oatmeal to cool down, I take a look at my tasks for the day on Asana (the greatest project management app, in my opinion!). With six essay coaching meetings scheduled (mostly back-to-back), I start writing ‘to do’ lists for each student in my old- fashioned notebook. I also check in on the progress of their homework assignments and set up a few documents and templates.

Once I’ve organized all of my meetings, I log into our DC College Counseling social media accounts. This is part of my daily morning routine, so I can respond to messages and engage with the latest college admissions news and discussions. Today there’s a lot of talk about declining enrollment at local community colleges, as well as tips for high school seniors to maximize the winter months. We wrote a similar blog post a few weeks back on how to make the most of your winter break. Check it out! 

With my 12pm meeting approaching fast, I finish formatting a resume for one of our clients- a college junior who’s getting ready to apply for summer internships. Then I turn my attention to a similar project–the DC College Counseling Summer Internship Database. Every week, I research and share opportunities for high school students to intern, volunteer, or take enrichment courses. There aren’t many new postings this week, but I expect to see a lot of exciting announcements in the new year. Keep checking our website for the latest updates!

12:00-3:00PM: After trading the coffee shop for the office, it’s time for my favorite part of the day-working with students! Not only do I enjoy getting to know all of our clients, but I also love the chance to be creative and collaborative. Every session is different, and I’m never bored! Today, for example, I’m helping students with business school application essays; script writing and video editing; and a digital artistic portfolio. 

3:00PM: After meeting with three students, I have a short break in my schedule. For the next thirty minutes, I write recap emails and grab a third cup of coffee. Don’t worry, it’s decaf this time! 

3:30-5:30PM: I put on my blue light glasses and kick off a two-hour session with one of our seniors. We work on a letter of continued interest and prepare for an upcoming admissions interview. Students usually look at me like I’m crazy when I suddenly adopt a persona and ask them to tell me about themselves. Today is no exception! There are a lot of laughs and a superior mock interview session.

5:30-6:00PM: I’m supposed to have one more small break before my next meeting, but there are some time -sensitive emails that have just come in. I need to answer them before writing the latest recap email.

6:00-7:00PM: It’s the last meeting of the day, and we’re revising the four- count em’, four- supplemental essays this student has diligently drafted over the winter break. With three minutes to spare at the end of our session, we submit them for final review and discuss homework assignments: one more essay to write and his college application will be complete. 

7:00-7:30PM: I can finally slow down and close out my tasks for the day. I send one last recap email and double check that I’ve answered all time-sensitive messages. It looks like I don’t have as many student meetings scheduled for tomorrow, so I can work on some other projects involving social media and outreach.

8:00PM: I’m craving fresh air, so I take advantage of one of the many outdoor holiday events in northern Virginia. I’ll be in bed soon, though. Tomorrow is another early morning.