The fourth episode of the Future College Parent Podcast features Ms. Suzanne Gluck, Guidance Counselor at East Williston Union Free School District. This episode is special to me because Suzanne was actually a student of mine back when I worked in the college housing program at the University at Buffalo. I remember Suzanne as an undergraduate student herself, and specifically the joy, the energy, and the passion she has for life. It's such a thrill to see her now helping students navigate all that is high school and beyond. She’s super knowledgeable and is such as caring professional. What a great honor for me to see how much Suzanne has grown. I’m extremely proud of her! And I'm confident you'll see in our talk how she provides a solid structure for students but allows them to exhibit their own creativity to achieve their individual goals.
Episode Timeline:
[01:01] Introducing Suzanne Gluck!
[02:50] Suzanne’s role in supporting parents and students in getting college and career ready.
[04:52] Why prepare students for college right from 8th grade?
[06:03] About Naviance and its role
[09:13] How a high school guidance counselor is helpful to students.
[12:18] Solutions for students who don’t advocate for themselves
[14:50] How to include all students on the guidance and counseling radar.
[17:06] Does every school have a counselor?
[17:54] How parents can assist students with college preparation.
[22:29] Putting a student in a safe uncomfortable position
[24:57] Advice for the higher education system
[28:55] Partnering with parents to overcome higher education websites communication issues
[30:43] Justin’s 5 takeaways from the episode
Five things I learned from my talk with Suzanne!
1. You can start preparing and creating your student’s college going identity as early as the 8th grade by helping your student get to know who they are (I suggest even as early as the 6th grade). Parents can begin to develop this identity by asking open-ended questions to help their student reflect on what they’ve learned and liked. Or parents can challenge your student to step out of their comfort zone, they may surprise themselves or fail. Either is a good thing as they’re growing!
2. Check to see if your school uses a platform to create and track post-secondary plans. For example, Suzanne discussed her school uses the Naviance College, Career, and life readiness platform as a locker to track all the stuff and things her students are doing to become college and career ready. If your school isn’t using a platform, that’s OK, you can start a notebook or begin to create a portfolio of experiences to track everything! Note, I am not affiliated, nor do I endorse Naviance and only mention it by name as Suzanne mentioned using it in her school.
3. You can help your student to be their own self-advocate and learning to speak for themselves by helping them articulate their needs, wants, and how they’re going to be successful. Try this first before asserting yourself as their advocate.
4. Know the name of your school counselor and encourage your students build the relationship with that person.
5. When you’re at the college choice stage, reach out to a potential campus and ask to speak with an admissions counselor and/or student representative that represents or has a similar interest as your student. For example, a specific major or interest. This will help the student determine the feel and fit they get from the institution.
Resources:
Future College Parent Podcast website: https://www.futurecollegeparent.com/
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