JENNA'S LETTER

To whom it may concern, 

The college process is not an easy one, nor is it supposed to be. What surprised me the most was how personal and self-evaluative it became the farther I got. I had to face many questions I’d avoided. They appear to be simple because of their regularity but in actuality are deceivingly difficult. 

In my first session with Mrs. Franklin she asked what career options I’m considering, what I may want to major in. l laughed and exclaimed, “I have no idea” passing my oblivion as a joke. Through this conversation and the many following, I became more comfortable discussing this question. She created an environment free of judgment; one full of honest sincerity and pure excitement to explore my possibilities. This is what is great about her: she sees the best in everyone and really works to discover where one is gifted. Nor does she do so at a surface level but creates a full examination and exploration. 

During this process, I saw another counselor, an acquaintance of my mom, who offered to help.
The differences between this man and Mrs. Franklin are innumerable. With him I did not feel like I could speak freely, rather I felt I was being told what to do. I was also constantly defending myself and my worth. He had low expectations and didn’t care to hear my thoughts. I was one of many items to go through the perpetual machine that was his process to finding a college. 

Never once did I feel this way with Mrs. Franklin. She would push me to raise my own expectations if I was willing and I feel she opened many more doors. Everything she did was individualized. Right now I’m watching my sister go through the same process. We are polar opposites. I’m the unorganized introvert and my sister is the anal extroverted perfectionist. I laughed out loud when I saw her come back with two folders perfectly organized even color coded containing all her information. I never had anything of the kind for Mrs. Franklin would adapt to how I work. She knew I would be tortured by color coding but she also knew my sister needed it. 

In the end, the decision was not easy. Though I can honestly say I couldn't have made a better one. I’m in a wonderful environment and I find myself challenged as I’ve never been before. I’m very happy and I have Mrs. Franklin to thank for her guidance. 

                                                                                                   Sincerely, 
                                                                                                  Jenna A.