Walking into the office you see a desk filled with sticky notes, stress-relieving toys, a nameplate, food, and a purple reusable water bottle, a stressful-looking environment but a well-supported and well-mannered advisor Jorge Gonzalez.
As high school students across the nation approach graduation, the role of college advisors has never been more crucial. These professionals serve as the bridge between secondary education and higher learning, providing guidance, resources, and support to help students navigate their post-secondary options. However, as college admission processes become increasingly competitive, the responsibilities and challenges faced by college advisors are evolving.
College advisors such as Gonzalez are instrumental in helping students understand their choices after high school. He helps with everything from selecting proper courses and extracurricular activities to preparing college applications and financial aid forms. According to Gonzalez, the college admission process is the hardest step for students, and receiving financial aid is stressful.
“My position is to make sure high schoolers, especially seniors, realize that there are good opportunities and good education after high school,” Gonzalez said. “Being able to bridge that gap, that there is more after this situation.”
Among the many aspects of being a high school college advisor, one of the most significant roles Gonzalez has carried out is building relationships with students. He has taken time to understand each student’s individual needs, interests, and aspirations. This personalized approach can help students feel more confident and supported during a stressful time.
Senior Zayla Washington’s experience with Gonzalez highlights the critical role that advisors can play during the college application process. Many students share similar feelings of doubt and fear, lost, confusion, and even being stuck on where to start which leaves them often feeling overwhelmed by the many choices and requirements of colleges.
“He has helped me a lot, especially with scholarships since I had no idea where to look and especially with my major because a lot of collages don’t give exactly what my major is which is occupational therapy, so he’s helped me a lot looking for the right schools” Zayla quote.
“It was a lot easier than it is now because I only remember applying to maybe three or four colleges and universities. And back then FAFSA would open in October, and once you do FAFSA you don’t need fee waivers so I didn’t have to do any, and transcripts were all done along with FAFSA with Project Stay. It was easy,” Gonzalez said.
As advisors provide much aid and support, they push students not only to show off their accomplishments but also to recognize their potential, pushing them to the top and guiding them in times of need with financial help and emotional help to handle the stress and courage it takes to take on college.
