When I started Colledge in 2010, I was following a wish that I’d had as a seasoned admissions professional at schools like UCLA and Caltech: for students to have the skills and knowledge to communicate their passions and dreams to the colleges where they’ll truly thrive. From behind the admissions desk, I saw that few students had the resources to do this. So I wanted to offer that guidance.
Recently, as my own daughters have entered high school, nearing their admissions journeys, I’ve been reflecting on my own upbringing and how my mother’s values of education impacted me. And I’ve realized that Colledge has her dreams for me written all over it. Her values are at the heart of our daily work to empower students with self-confidence and love for education.
My Mother’s Hard-Earned Educational Path
My mom grew up as the middle child of three in a working class neighborhood in upstate New York, and although Catholic school educated, she was the only person in her family who pursued a college education. She received her Bachelors of Art from RIT. Her brother and sister pursued trade-based coursework to make a living, and her parents refused to pay for her education beyond secondary school.
For her undergraduate years, my mother lived at home. She received grants and scholarships from RIT and would spend her summers at the beach sketching portraits of passers-by for donations as a means to pay for additional expenses. She had no student loans. Funnily enough, she actually returned to this portrait sketching for donations later in her life when she was struggling with cancer before she passed away in 2018. She was a powerful role model for me in that she used her gifts and talents as an artist to push forward, support herself, and earn a modest living.
Education: The Cornerstone of My Development
Years after her time at RIT, she sought her MFA in fine art from USC. I was a baby, then, but she brought me with her to her studio, wheeling my stroller all over campus. With these streaks of independence and fortitude, my mother raised me as her only daughter. She saw my education as the cornerstone of my development like it was for her, and carved out as many opportunities as possible for me pursuing scholarships and a public school education so I could learn and grow into my true self. She encouraged me to find my voice as a young actor, singer, dancer, and it opened doors for me to be fortunate enough to be cast in the broadway show, Shogun (with an all Asian cast).
And I know it was her depth of commitment to my education that led me to great heights, both academically and artistically on my own.
As a single parent, my mom gave me these gifts:
- Confidence in myself as a woman
- Belief that no one can take away your education
- Obstacles are opportunities in disguise
- Bring joy to your work!
Children today so desperately need parents, educators, teachers, mentors, and counselors to believe in them. I believe having a personal coach see you for the incredible amazing human that you are should be a birthright for all young people.
Many of us educators were raised by parents who believed wholeheartedly in us and knew the ONLY way forward was through an education. My mom was this parent.
Everyday, as I brainstorm with my team meaningful service projects for our Early Start students, get excited about colleges where specific students will grow and thrive, and read essay drafts where students express something essential about them, she is with me.
Happy Mothers Day and My Gift to You
Happy Mothers Day to all of the moms out there dedicated to believing in your children. Your investment in their education has a ripple effect that can and does change the world.
And I know that it isn’t always easy, especially when faced with the unwieldy college admissions process and all of the pressures that come with it. I invite you to join me on Sunday, May 21 at 6:00 pm for “Parental Units & Their Place in the Admissions Process.” I’ll be sharing the best ways to support your child as they apply to college, so you can keep your values and the family peace intact. Hope to see you there!
