Everyone has a story. Here’s mine.

I am going to share some information about myself—

college application style.

I want to give you an opportunity to not only learn about me but also learn a little bit about the college application process.

I hope you enjoy the selection of essay prompts and short answer questions that I have chosen.

About Me

in 25 words or less

  • At Butler, pets are family too. Share the name of your cat or dog with us.

    Butler University

    🐾 Maya & Charlie

    🦜 Patches

  • We're in your hometown. Where should we eat and what should we order?

    Elon University

    Imo's Pizza - Sausage & Bacon Pizza and Toasted Ravioli

  • This I believe . . .

    University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

    🔴 Stay in Your Lane—don't try to be an expert in everything

    🔴 Know Your Limits

    🔴 Worry About Yourself—don't get caught up in pointless drama

  • What song represents the soundtrack of your life at this moment?

    Princeton University

    It's My Life by Bon Jovi

  • Marvel or DC? Pepsi or Coke? Instagram or TikTok? What’s your favorite “this or that” (you are not restricted to these three examples), and which side do you choose?

    Pomona College

    Nikki Minaj or Cardi B.— I choose Nikki Minaj

  • If you were to write the story of your life until now, what would you title it?

    Emerson College

    Chance vs. Skill - My [un]expected life journey

My Story.

Dartmouth College Essay Prompt: 250 - 300 words

The Hawaiian word mo’olelo is often translated as “story” but it can also refer to history, legend, genealogy, and tradition. Use one of these translations to introduce yourself.

I was born and raised in West Alton, Missouri, a small suburb of St. Louis located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. Growing up, life revolved around the rivers rising and St. Louis Cardinals baseball—two things that still feel like home to me.

I attended the University of Missouri–St. Louis, where I earned a BS in Biology with a minor in Chemistry and a certificate in Biochemistry. I paid my way through college working full-time as a craps dealer at casinos throughout the St. Louis area. It wasn’t glamorous, but it taught me discipline, resilience, and what it truly means to work hard for the things you want. My goal was to graduate in four years, and somehow, between full-time work and a full course load, I managed to make it happen.

In 1996, I married my husband, and together we’ve built a life centered around family, adventure, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities. We have two amazing children, Eliza and Kyle, who have shaped so much of who I am both personally and professionally.

One of the biggest adventures came in 2008, when our family had the incredible opportunity to move to London, England. We spent two unforgettable years traveling throughout Europe and northern Africa, experiencing new cultures and seeing the world from a completely different perspective. In 2010, we settled in Georgia, which has now become home.

These days, I’m still a devoted St. Louis Cardinals fan, but I’ve also fully embraced life as a Chelsea FC and Atlanta United supporter. Sports, travel, family, and meaningful connections continue to be some of the things I value most—and they’ve all shaped the way I approach my work with students and families today.

Choose Your Words Carefully

Describe yourself in three words.

  • Honest

  • Outspoken

  • Determined

What is your favorite snack?

Warm 🍪 Chip Cookies & a Tall glass of Cold Milk🥛

Best movie of all time

🤷🏻‍♀️ I can’t pick one . . . sorry!

Seriously, I can’t choose between ✈️ Top Gun/Maverick & 🕵️‍♀️ Jason Bourne (the entire series)

Dream job

Retirement!!!

My job will be to work on myself!

Dream trip

World Cruise 🛳️ - to 👀 see it all!

What TV show will you binge watch next?

🏩 Schitt’s Creek (AGAIN!)

Which well-known person or fictional character would be your ideal roommate?

Monica from Friends—she is super organized, keeps her space tidy and clean and she cooks.

Below are my answers to each of the University of Southern California’s short answer prompts in 100 characters or less

Finding the Right Fit Starts RIGHT NOW!

Selecting a college counselor is your first exercise in evaluating and determining fit. Your student needs to trust their counselor and feel comfortable working with them.

While the overall college application process is unlikely to vary from one counselor to another, the approach can differ significantly.

Here are a few distinct aspects of the way I work with my students*:

✓ A structured and personalized planning process designed to keep students organized, on track, and moving forward with confidence

✓ A student-centered approach that encourages independence, accountability, and ownership of the application process while still keeping families informed and supported

✓ Clear systems and step-by-step guidance that reduce stress and eliminate the guesswork during application season

✓ Ongoing support and strategic guidance tailored to each student’s goals, timeline, and college list

✓ Personalized application management tools that help students track deadlines, essays, materials, and requirements in one organized place

✓ Regular communication and accountability throughout the process so students never feel like they’re navigating it alone

✓ Personalized plans that provide support from early strategy and college planning through final application review and submission

Every student begins the process at a different stage, which is why services and support vary based on the selected consulting plan. Whether your student needs early planning guidance, full college application support, or focused senior-year assistance, the goal is always the same: to provide a calm, organized, and supportive experience that helps students do their best work with less overwhelm.

*services vary depending on consulting plan

Professional Credentials

  • graduation cap

    Education

    🎓 The University of Missouri, St. Louis—Bachelor of Science

    📃 The University of California, Riverside—Professional Certificate in College Admission Counseling

    📃 IECA Certificate in College Affordability

    📃 College Aid Pro Certificate

  • laptop red mug

    Experience

    📌 Founder & Independent Educational Consultant, Educated Pathways College Consulting 2019

    🏫 College & Career Center Coordinator, Milton High School 2017-2019

    👥 Co-Founder & Independent Educational Consultant, LHR College Consulting 2017

  • IECA NACAC SACAC

    Professional Membership

    Member in Good Standing with the following professional organizations:

    Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) - Professional Member

    Southern Association for College Admission Counseling (SACAC)

    National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)

    International Association for College Admission Counseling (International ACAC)

Educated Pathways College Acceptances

 

I have worked with students who have been accepted to a wide range of colleges across the country. The ultimate goal is always to find the best-fit college for each student - academically, socially, and financially.

 

West

    • Pepperdine University

    • UCLA

    • University of California - San Diego

    • University of California - Santa Barbara

    • University of Southern California

    • University of Oregon

    • Western Washington University

Mountain West

    • Colorado School of Mines

    • Colorado State University

    • University of Colorado, Boulder

    • University of Colorado, Denver

    • University of Denver

    • Sierra Nevada University

    • University of Utah

NorthEast

    • Quinnipiac University

    • Berklee College of Music

    • Clark University

    • Emerson College

    • Drew University

    • Seton Hall University

    • Cornell University

    • Ithaca College

    • Marist College

    • St. Bonaventure University

    • St. John Fisher College

    • Syracuse University

    • Drexel University

    • Penn State University

    • University of Pittsburgh

    • Johnson & Wales University

    • University of Rhode Island

International

    • University of Aberdeen

    • University of York

    • IE University

Scholarship Programs

MidWest

    • Columbia College Chicago

    • DePaul University

    • Milliken University

    • University of Chicago

    • University of Illinois

    • Indiana University

    • Indiana Purdue University

    • Loyola University Chicago

    • Notre Dame University

    • Purdue University

    • Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

    • Grand Valley State University

    • Hope College

    • Michigan State University

    • University of Michigan

    • Wayne State University

    • University of Minnesota

    • Missouri State University

    • Missouri University of Science & Technology

    • St. Louis University

    • University of Missouri

    • Case Western Reserve University

    • Miami University

    • Ohio State University

    • University of Cincinnati

    • Xavier University

    • University of Wisconsin

SouthWest

    • Arizona State University

    • The University of Arizona

    • University of Oklahoma

    • Baylor University

    • Texas A&M University

    • University of Houston

SouthEast

    • Auburn University

    • Samford University

    • University of Alabama

    • University of Alabama, Birmingham

    • University of Arkansas

    • George Washington University

    • Howard University

    • Eckerd College

    • Florida International University

    • Florida State University

    • Jacksonville University

    • Nova Southeastern University

    • Stetson University

    • University of Central Florida

    • University of Florida

    • University of Miami

    • University of North Florida

    • University of Tampa

    • Augusta University

    • Berry College

    • College of Coastal Georgia

    • Columbus State University

    • Emory University

    • Georgia College

    • Georgia Southern University

    • Georgia State University

    • Georgia Tech

    • Kennesaw State University

    • Mercer University

    • Middle Georgia State University

    • Piedmont College

    • Savannah College of Art & Design

    • University of Georgia

    • University of North Georgia

    • Valdosta State University

    • Young Harris College

    • Murray State University

    • University of Kentucky

    • Louisiana State University

    • University of Maryland

    • Mississippi State University

    • University of Mississippi

    • Appalachian State University

    • High Point University

    • North Carolina A&T State University

    • NC State University

    • University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

    • Western Carolina University

    • Campbell University

    • Clemson University

    • Coastal Carolina University

    • College of Charleston

    • Furman University

    • University of South Carolina

    • Wofford College

    • Belmont University

    • Middle Tennessee State University

    • Rhodes College

    • Suwanee, University of the South

    • University of Memphis

    • University of Tennessee

    • University of Tennessee, Chattanooga

    • Vanderbilt University

    • College of William & Mary

    • University of Virginia

    • Virginia Tech 

This list of colleges does not necessarily represent all of the schools Educated Pathways has had students accepted into; it is meant to be used for informational purposes only.