Our newest essay coach, Staci, is guest blogging with an introduction today! It is hard to believe she has only been with us for two months as she is such an integral part of the team already; she has been my right-hand man with our “late start seniors” this year and has worked a schedule so crazy it rivals mine!
Parents and students love her approachable style and the way she can help even the most reluctant writer craft an outstanding essay!
Thanks to the power of LinkedIn, I was fortunate enough to ‘link’ with DC College Counseling in August--just in time for the busy college application season. You may have seen me in the office, probably sipping on my venti iced coffee, or have spent sessions with me as we’ve brainstormed your essay prompts. I’ve had the opportunity to learn a great deal about all of you, so it’s only fair that you now get to learn a bit about me.
I entered Franklin and Marshall College with every intention of becoming a lawyer. However, a year abroad changed my life (that’s a story for another time) and left me wanting to pursue a Ph.D. in English instead. When I delved into my graduate work, first at Lehigh University and then University of Delaware, I began to realize that I enjoyed teaching English classes much more than conducting my own research. So after several years of graduate school, I abandoned my Ph.D. and started doing the thing I swore I would never do--teaching high school English.
Fast forward over a decade, and I’ve literally been around the world teaching, traveling, and growing my career. I’ve settled in Northern Virginia, where I now train international teachers; develop courses and curriculum frameworks; work individually with students who have special needs or those who need extra reading/writing support; and teach dance and fitness classes for fun.
I know I’ve worked with many of you as you’ve filled out these supplemental short answers, so I’ll practice what I preach and fill them out as well. Trust me when I say, I know how hard these questions can be!
DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN THREE WORDS (25 CHARACTERS):
Gregarious; driven; creative
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SNACK?
Hummus and veggies
FAVORITE APP/WEBSITE:
Canva and Marco Polo
BEST MOVIE OF ALL TIME:
The Goonies
HASHTAG TO DESCRIBE YOURSELF:
#doesntsleep
DREAM JOB:
What I am doing now...but it’s my dream to add ‘published author’ to my resume.
WHAT IS YOUR THEME SONG?
Three Little Birds- Bob Marley
DREAM TRIP:
Hiking the Camino de Santiago trail in Spain
WHAT TV SHOW WILL YOU BINGE WATCH NEXT?
The Great British Baking Show, Season 7
PLACE YOU ARE MOST CONTENT?
The Swiss Alps