In about 20 days or so, the school year ends. The frenzy around returning to school live, the mess that was this past academic year makes me happy to wrap things up and start to think about the next school year.
Yes, I know these are first-world problems. My family and I are fortunate not to have been personally affected, health-wise, by COVID. We were cautious, we missed seeing people live, we missed our normalcy. I am hoping that we are on the path to that route again.
As I end the school year, I think about what I’m grateful for – and I have a lot:
- I am grateful for my clients: I have what must be the most loyal client base of any business. These are people who not only appreciate what I do for their children but consistently refer me to friends and family. I enjoy working with them, they keep me excited about my business, and they challenge me to think and grow. They have stuck with me through a harrowing year.
- I am grateful for my mentors: As in any business, one cannot even imagine growing without the able assistance of those who can view your (sometimes) myopic dreams objectively. I thank the many people who have reviewed my business ideas, marketing pieces, and presentations so that I can fly. I especially thank those who have invited me into their offices, to give me a glimpse of their business or school, so that I can gain a clearer picture of the entire college planning cycle.
- I am grateful for my staff: When people say they have the best staff around, they’ve never met my team, because I can truly say that I have the best! I firmly believe that a business is as good as its weakest link. I have no weak links on my team. Each member is professional, provides expert knowledge, and in the words of one of my clients, “speaks teenager.” With a team like this, how can you go wrong?
- I am grateful for upfront admissions officers: This past semester, I listened to more than thirty presentations from admissions officers about their colleges. Some were fantastic and made me want to urge my students to apply. Others were slick but had no substance. Some others were downright abysmal. For those who were upfront with me and my colleagues about the year they experienced, I cannot thank you enough.
- Last but not least, I am grateful for my family: How can you not end a gratitude list without mentioning the reason you get up in the morning? If I did not have their support, confidence, and suggestions, I would be lost in this very competitive and capricious business.
Yes, there are tools of the trade for which I am also grateful. Youtube.com, College Planner Pro, The Fiske Guide to Colleges, and Naviance are just a few that immediately come to mind. I am sure I will think of countless others.
Happy Summer to all!
