QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• 12 years of experience with College Goals
• Essay-writing coach
• Parent of 2 college graduates
• 30 years as an environmental planner
• Undergraduate degree: Georgetown University, School of Foreign Service
• Graduate degree: the University of Washington, School of Marine Affairs

As an American who grew up abroad, I understand the advantages and difficulties of being a “Third Culture Kid.” After growing up in the Middle East, fluent in three languages and surrounded by people from every corner of the world, it was a shock to return to my “home” country and have to adapt to a culture that was foreign to me. This experience gives me a great appreciation for both the benefits and challenges of students – whether Third Culture Kids or foreign nationals – who seek to pursue their undergraduate education in the US, and I enjoy coaching both our American and international students and families.

I have an undergraduate degree from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and a master’s degree from the University of Washington School of Marine Affairs. I worked for 30 years as a coastal and marine resources planner for international agencies, foreign governments, Hawaii state government, and non-governmental organizations, with an emphasis on polluted runoff control and watershed management.

As the mother of 2 highly successful students – a son who graduated from Wesleyan University and received a PhD in Planetary Science from Brown University in 2020, and a daughter who graduated from Tufts University and is currently in graduate school at UC Irvine – I have first-hand experience with the college search and application process today (which is very different from what I experienced 40 years ago!). I also have first-hand experience working with College Goals, whose counselors helped both my children find universities that were a “good fit” for them academically and socially.

I enjoy consulting directly with students during their college application and essay-writing process. I help research programs and opportunities for my students as well as other College Goals’ students in order to help make their high school and college experiences successful. As Director of Communications for College Goals, I have the privilege of sending our clients regular newsletters, articles and other information relevant to the whole college admissions process; updating our website; and providing technical support on CustomCollegePlan. I have written articles based on my personal experience with all aspects of the application process. I strongly believe that with timely information, essential tools, and knowledgeable personal support, students and parents can smoothly navigate the otherwise daunting college search and application process.

“The qualities that I love most about you in your role guiding our son are your understanding of him as a person, your care for him and your patience and wisdom in working with him. He really enjoys you as a person, which is absolutely critical in spending so much time together and also in seeking guidance. He would often tell me, “I’m going to ask Carolyn.” I loved how he sought out your advice each step of the way…certainly he valued your input.”
       Mother, USA