EARLIER, CRAZIER, BUSIER THAN EVER?

Here we are with the academic year in its infancy.  But I bet many of you are already counting the days til fall break – if you’re lucky enough to have a break before Thanksgiving!  It seems that our work with collegebound seniors really begins in their junior year, with the summer no longer offering much of a respite from prepping for all those college applications that seem to be due earlier and earlier.  Our students are looking at Early Action, Priority, Early Decision, and October 15 deadlines.  And we need to be present to assist our students through these application mazes.

It seems more important than ever for us to be the calm in the maelstrom – even when we are also affected by all this busy-ness.  It’s important to find time to write all those letters and process all those apps, to find time for self-care, to remind ourselves that:  this, too, shall pass.  There’s just no way around the crazy, busy time that fall is in our lives.  Try to remember that you are not alone.  We feel your pain.

The Academy is celebrating its twentieth anniversary this year!  What started as an idea to offer a single professional development activity for high school counselors has been transformed into a nonprofit organization that has served nearly 2,000 counselors.  We will be hosting our Summer Academy 2019 at Elmhurst College from July 10-12.  Last summer’s Soapbox was so successful that we are planning a sequel on July 9^th.

And most exciting is that we are putting the finishing touches on our online program.  In partnership with Elmhurst College, The Academy plans to offer the first online college counseling certificate program in the Midwest in 2019.  Look here for updates in the upcoming months.

On a personal note, I have had the honor of a lifetime that I need to share with you.  The NACAC leadership has honored me with the Gayle C. Wilson Service Award that focuses on members who have had a lasting impact on our profession.  And much of that impact has come through my work with The Academy.  So thank you for allowing me to be a part of your professional [and, in some cases, personal] history over the years. I am beyond humbled and overwhelmed.

Hang in there – before you know it, winter will be here and you might even find time to catch your breath!

Sue Biemeret
Executive Director

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Please familiarize yourself with the site. If you have any questions, e-mail: counseloracademy1@gmail.com