PrepNow Tutor - Catherine F.
“I am enthusiastically drawn to this work because of the growth that young adults can experience during the college search and application process,” says Admissions Counselor Cathy F. “I consider it a privilege to be a part of that exciting journey in my students' lives. My favorite part is helping students self-reflect and discover their own authentic path through character growth and focused work in discovering their best college options.”
Through 10 years in college counseling, Cathy has worked to meet the needs of both students and families. She helps families know what to expect in the process, manage the college search effectively, and reduce anxiety. She guides students not just to discover their best college options but “to discover their authentic selves.” She says, “By motivating and guiding my students to discover their personal strengths, I enable them to launch a path to authentic career success and an optimal transition to college life.”
She has also spent many years working and volunteering in schools and community outreach organizations; serving as President of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Columbus, Ohio, and President of Parent’s Association at Columbus Academy, where her passion for college counseling flourished. She is an associate member of the Independent Educational Counselors Association (IECA), National Association for College Admissions Counselors (NACAC) and a current student in the College Counseling Certificate program at University of California-Irvine.
Entering college as an under-represented minority, Cathy earned admission to Cornell University, where she was successful academically as well as socially. For financial reasons she had to transfer to the University of Connecticut, where in addition to her studies she served as a Resident Assistant, volunteered for a Rape Crisis Center, and advocated for equality and social justice. “At both of these great institutions,” she says, “I made life-long friends and continued expanding my love for learning.”
One of her favorite counseling stories was that of a student who came to her “completely paralyzed with anxiety over the college application process.” Cathy helped her “adjust her mindset, develop organizational skills--and even learn relaxation and meditation techniques!” She was accepted Early Decision at Duke. “By helping students and families re-frame their expectations and consider a wide array of college options, as well as become efficient in authentically telling their story," she says, "every student can earn admission to best-fit colleges."
Outside of work, Cathy loves hiking, Latin dance, acting/comedy improv, and golf, and is currently in her second year learning French!
