AM PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE TO PARENT FORUM FRIENDS

Parent Cafe
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<p>Thank you all for your good wishes. I've really enjoyed helping students and their families both as a fellow parent on forums but also in the counseling work I have done. </p>

<p>Andi, I'm sorry you find it disquieting. By the way, this is NOT a new job for me. I've been doing it. The only new thing is that I am telling readers about it which coincided with announcing a new theater counseling package (in addition to regular college counseling I/we already do). </p>

<p>In any case, you said "I also find it disquieting that some posters on the forum have two roles." I have two comments to share with you as a response.</p>

<p>I have ONLY ONE role as a poster on CC. I post as a PARENT...I ALWAYS have. I still will continue to do so. I realize by mentioning that I also have been trained and work as a counselor, that others may view my posts in a new or different light. </p>

<p>Secondly, MANY posters have "two roles", but you/we just don't know them all. Not everyone is posting about the jobs they do or many other things. We come on as parents. There are likely other posters who post here who work in this field but do not choose to mention that and just help out of the goodness of their heart, as I have tried to do. They have a right to merely post as a parent. I have chosen to openly mention that I also work as a college advisor. </p>

<p>The only way that I have "two roles" is that I have two (or more) roles in life.....a parent, a job role, a wife, etc. But my "role" as a POSTER on CC is merely as a parent. I realize that my posts now may be taken as being from someone who "knows a thing or two" about this but I still am responding to posts on here as I always have, no differently. It is just that now you know more about me. ALL of my posting is on strictly a volunteer basis out of my own personal interest in being on the forum. I came to this forum as a parent. I later trained as a counselor. I never gave up the role of parent on here and kept it. I did not have to mention it but chose to at this point. But my posting is not going to change on my end and I will do so voluntarily because I enjoy it and want to. I'm not going to counsel someone on an ongoing individual basis on the forum and never have. For that, they will need to contact me at <a href="mailto:susant@collegeconfidential.com">susant@collegeconfidential.com</a>. But for the most part, I'm going to post as I always have...when I feel like it or have the time. I have tried to help you in the past and others just because, and that was not part of my "work". I certainly don't get paid to do it. There are paid services but that is separate and for ongoing help. Last year, because my heart ached for you as a fellow parent who came to know you on this forum, I consulted with the principals at CC for professional advice and sent you some for free, but you just did not realize who I had consulted with to get you that important waitlist guidance. I did that as a parent, not as a counselor but had access to those who I felt would have the best advice without even sending you their way for services. </p>

<p>Blossom....hey, thanks for the correction on "alumnus" vs. "alumna"!! </p>

<p>Maineparent....I'm gonna go away with my hubby to Maine in about a week! NO kids, lol. </p>

<p>Anyway, my posts all along have been from me, a mom, and still will be. I was that when I came here and while my knowledge did grow along the way, I was always posting as a mom when I posted.
Take care everyone and many thanks for being the most supportive group of fellow parents I have ever had the pleasure to know. You were there for me during my daughter's awful accident and recovery, going through two kids' college admissions processes, a father's death, and much else. I hope I can be there for you in return.
Susan</p>

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<p>
[quote]
Secondly, MANY posters have "two roles"

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Exactly. Parent and University of Wisconsin staffer. I am a very reliable source of good news from Madison.</p>

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<p>Congrats Susan- I just left you an IM message!</p>

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<p>News from madison is almost as good as news from Woebegone, t.</p>

<p>SEriously sooze...there is a ton of back chatter ([pms and emails) about this advert. Most of us are not sure if we can criticize you or not under the terms of service.</p>

<p>I have hired a qualified educational consultant for S2 because we are overseas. I hired her because she did such a good job for my neighbor's son in 1995. She has worked in 3 admission offices--two of which were in the top 25 universities. She is actively involved in an educational consultant's organization. Her total fee for walking S2 through the whole process including essays? $2500.</p>

<p>You have acquired a great knowledge about MT--but transferring your recent success to a 'professional' announcement doesn't add up for me even though I luv ya as a CC parent. Sorry. </p>

<p>It would be like one of my clients annoucing they were ready to start designing houses--after building one or two that they were really happy with. As much as they love it and as much as they have learned from their architect and builder--they are not professionals and (usually) do not hold themselves out as such.</p>

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<p>Cheers, you are free to judge or be critical if you'd like. I did not pronouce myself a college counselor. I was trained and work for a college counseling company. I've been doing this work. You may be confused by those who are posting "congrats" and thinking I am announcing a new job or some such but I am not. By the way, I do not set the fees for CC. I work for them. I did not just become a counselor when I posted this. I have been working as one. It is up to those who opt to use the service if they wish to work with those who provide it. My position as a college counselor is not based on any success with my own kids. For one thing, they got in on their own accord. My position with CC is based on having earned a certificate of training with them. I did not just one day become a college counselor because I pronounced it or because of my own kids. I became a college counselor before either of my kids even applied to college. I also have had success with clients who were pleased with the counseling services. </p>

<p>As with any service, a consumer can decide who they wish to hire to provide it. </p>

<p>I only posted on the Parent Forum about what I do for one reason. You may notice that I never said what I do for the two years since I have been doing it because I opted to help people for free and participate on a forum as a parent like anyone else. I still do. I surely didn't try to get someone to get counseling services because I never even mentioned it. I am stating what I do for a job now because I mentioned it on the theater forum. Many parents there are overwhelmed with that specific area of college admissions and most were unaware that counseling exists at CC if they should CHOOSE that they would like such assistance. We added a theater counseling package with them in mind because the need was out there from discussions with those involved in this interest. By letting them know about that, I opted to post here because some readers here (or there) might cross reference and since I am a regular parent poster here and continue to be, I wanted to openly let parents here know what I wrote over there. I'm still posting here as before. That has not changed on my end. I could have not told you and you'd be reading my posts as before. I always voluntarily tried to be helpful on the forum and still do. It is unrelated to seeking work for fees. </p>

<p>Certainly I am not asking anyone to sign up for counseling. And anyone who wants counseling, will have to ascertain for themselves just who they'd like to have as their counselor, be it through CC or some other independent counselors. I have worked with satisfied families in the past and it has given me great satisfaction. Many who use the free forums here are unaware that there is college counseling available through CC. They provide these forums for free to be beneficial to all. As well, there are free Ask The Dean Q's and A's. There are others who post here as parents who work professionally in the field of college admissions. Some opt to not say so and that is their right. Obviously we don't solicit business when we post but post because we want to help. </p>

<p>I was not "transferring my recent success with my kids to a "professional' announcement". I have been working as a college counselor and trained as one. I have also taught at five colleges or graduate schools and have a graduate degree in education. If it doesn't add up for you, that is OK for me. Only those who wish to use the services should. But please do not imply that I became a college counselor because of any success with my own children. I became one before my kids applied to college. I did not JUST become one. I only now openly let people know here that I am one at this juncture because I shared it openly on the theater forum where we are excited to provide a theater counseling service at CC for those with that interest. </p>

<p>Susan</p>

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<p>Cheers, the level of knowledge among the regulars on these boards is stratospheric compared to that among parents on the street. After six or seven years here and with two kids sucking us dry with tuition payments, I have developed something of a reputation among parents in my area as to how to go about applying. None of my friends or colleagues have had the patience or interest (or addictive personality lol) to get hooked on this forum, and the way their kids go about applying tends to reflect that. In fact, after asking me a couple of questions several people have already offered -- repeatedly -- to pay me to become their kid's college application consultant. I am not, as Dave Barry (not Berry) would say, making this up. My answer so far has been that I am having enough trouble doing my current career and raising these kids! And so I referred two of these people to Dave Berry (not Barry). If the price of gas keeps going up I may say yes to the next one who asks.</p>

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<p>Susan, since reaction to your announcement has taken this turn with some, I'd like to make sure you know that when I asked "since we know you, do we get special insider treatment?" it was a total, total joke. I think what you're doing is fine.</p>

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<p>
[quote]
News from madison is almost as good as news from Woebegone

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Mad City--Where all the children are above average</p>

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<p>Driver, believe me, I understood your joke and thought it was funny!</p>

<p>I don't have much more to say about the above post other than if someone wants to discount qualifications, it is up to them to decide who they deem is qualified for their pocketbook. College Confidential is run by highly qualified counselors who also have trained adjunct counselors on staff. Nobody just comes on the forum and says, "hi, now I am a counselor". It did not work that way. I went through a program and was certified as an adjunct on the counseling team. Further, I have degrees in education as well. </p>

<p>If someone wants assistance with this process from a counselor, they can determine for themselves who they wish to use. CC has a great track record. But shop around for your needs and what makes sense for your family. </p>

<p>I'm posting on the forums in my role as a parent and friend, as I always have, even after I became a counselor on their team over two years ago. See you on the forums! And if you want to discuss counseling, then I can be reached at <a href="mailto:susant@collegeconfidential.com">susant@collegeconfidential.com</a> and we can discuss that off the forums. </p>

<p>Aparent5, I agree with you that many of the parents on CC, even without the counselor training that I have had, are quite knowledgeable about this process and can help fellow parents. That is the glory of the free forums on here. I have learned oodles just from other parents on top of the formal training I have had. I've always tried to give back in return with nothing to gain as I never even said I was a counselor in my professional job. Now you know. But I'm still good 'ole me and a parent like all of you when I post. By posting answers to questions on a forum, I reach many people who might benefit. If someone wants individual assistance in navigating the college process, CC has those services. That is not new. I believe there are parent posters on here who have used the CC services. That is what I do as a counselor off the forums.</p>

<p>Susan</p>

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<p>Susan,
I think your resume displays your ongoing interest in education all by itself.....your posting here for the past two years that I have lurked/participated definitely is a demonstration of your interest in college education and also theater education. The gal who we hired to assist our son was a local hs principal who left administration because the job just didn't provide for enough time actually spent with the hs kids. It was an aspect of her earlier career that she had enjoyed and that she missed. I will never forget one of our first meetings where the focus was on crafting the resume....and I finally asked if she needed to understand our S's shortcomings...places he was lacking line items or experience....she just looked at me and laughed.....told me that our job was to feature his strengths.....it was such an important moment for me to get a grip...I needed her independent perspective...and I encourage hiring a counselor to other newbie parents just because of that.....I felt it was such a helpful advocate for my S......I think of you as an awesome advocate for the different kids you have mentioned, including your daughter's friends. </p>

<p>anyway, it is getting cooler here....leaves haven't really started changing yet, so it is a reasonable time to visit without massive summer and leaf looker crowds. Fryburg Fair starts this weekend... and lobster is still plentiful.......pm me if you are in the greater Portland area looking for a lunch date.....</p>

<p>I have learned sooo much from this forum....and other forums offered up here by CC.....I started lurking on the PR boards originally...when they changed their format, I changed my loyalty. My favorite aspect of this forum are the mental images I have of everyone....and yet I am still surprised by some of the posts.....like when someone's political leanings coming screaming out whereas previously I only knew them thru college oriented postings. It adds such dimension to my ideas of who folks are...</p>

<p>I am very excited for you and the families with kids interested in MT... the urge, need to perform is so compelling. The 2 S's of a friend of mine recently filmed a "documentary" about our local HS's trip to the state theater finals in their quest for a slot to go to the regionals. The HS showed it last Sat nite as a fund raiser for the theatre dept.... it was just a tremendous film about a great dept. I took 4 hs freshman boys to see it, only 1 of which is truly interested in theater. They all really enjoyed the movie....the story which had such a Hollywood ending, the original score which added to the suspense of the judging.. the competition itself....anyone who sees this movie would want to be a part of hs theater. It gives kids tremendous confidence which is a very important, but hard to acquire asset. </p>

<p>Just watching the saga of Frecklybeckly this past year....to hear her performances via links on here...to fast forward and now know she has the lead in a Gilbert & Sullivan play as a freshman....it is a real treat to share in the entire journey.....</p>

<p>so enough for tonite.....S#2, hs freshman is at hs dance....first one and it is a disco dance....totally fitted up.....afro, shades, Nik-Nik shirt and peace pendant and peace converse sneaks.....what fun it is to be a parent!!</p>

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<p>Maineparent, I would have loved to get together with you and usually we do go to southern Maine as it is the closest beach area from here, about 3 1/4 hours and I was there in late June in fact. But this little getaway is for three nights so we opted to not go to the usual area for us in Maine but we are going to Camden, ME which is not near you. It won't work out this time unfortunately. I have had the pleasure of meeting several people from the Parent Forum in person over the years (wish I could meet more) and from the MT forum. I am meeting a mom from the MT forum when she is on a business trip in Vermont this Monday, in fact. </p>

<p>I enjoyed reading your vignette about the theater documentary at your school. Not sure how I ever ended up with a kid going for a life on the stage but it is definitely a fun area to watch as a parent. Then again, so are other things. We are off this Sunday to CT to see our daughter play soccer for Brown against UConn and so I get to wear my soccer mom hat. Lotsa hats, so little time, lol. </p>

<p>By the way, foliage which is a gorgeous event here that people the world over come to see, is on the late side this year too. Looking forward to lobster country!
Susan</p>

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<p>Susan-
Congrats on launching the MT Counseling Program and I wish you much continued success as a CC Counselor. </p>

<p>I can understand the concern of some re: posting as a "mom" when you have a financial stake in the game and the possible decisions we make re: counseling/the need for counselors...and I can understand your position as someone whose role as a counselor is a natural extension of your love of MT and desire to share strategies for success. Thus, I'm glad you shared this with us and hope any other posters who have a financial stake in the game will disclose. It's only fair to the posters/readers. I don't believe any employee of a company should regularly post on that company's forum for the purpose of giving advice without disclosing their role as an employee - epsecially when your company sells good/services. </p>

<p>Best wishes to you. You've always provided such wonderful insight and have candidly shared your family's successes and failures. </p>

<p>Thanks for sharing.</p>

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<p>Susan</p>

<p>Best Wishes! Your voice has been so very helpful. I think you were one of the first who was there when I ventured on this forum. I am not an Mt parent, but went through the craziness of music applications with my son! Not too far off.</p>

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<p>Momsdream and overseas, thank you for your posts. </p>

<p>Momsdream, when I posted as a parent, I had no financial thing to gain. Nobody knew that I also counsel for fees. I offered advice on the board and in PMs and emails and never pushed the services. Thus, I have NEVER counseled for a fee anyone I have even met on the Parent Forum. I had nothing to gain because I never got paid to communicate with anyone (I only earn money if someone is paying for a service....I am not employed by CC to be on the forums or any other activity). So, if anything, I was simply volunteering. There are other people who are counselors who choose to help people out of the goodness of their heart on here. That's all I have done and continue to do. I got no money from it and never even suggested to anyone that I was available for services for fees. I am now letting people know that this service is available but am not pushing anyone to sign up. I still participate on the forum as a parent and help answer questions when I can. The public announcement was due to how overwhelmed many are on the CC MT Forum and were unaware that we do offer counseling at CC for that type of student and that it is available. Many who participate on the free CC forums are unaware that counseling services are available at CC. My participation on the forums is as a parent and a person who likes to help as well. I had no financial stake to gain when I was participating before. I earned not one cent from anyone on these forums when I was posting before nor do I now. My participation here the past couple of years was not connected to any counseling I was doing with clients. So, I am not sure where I was gaining from posting as a mom before because I derived no clients or fees from participating on a discussion forum. I never even suggested to anyone that I could counsel them as a paid service. I was volunteering out of my own interest and had come to CC as parent initially myself and had kids going through the process. If I am able to offer informed advice, I am happy to do so. It was not connected to my work professionally in terms of fees. Now you do know that I am a counselor if someone would like assistance but I still post and do not try to get people to sign up. People just know that this is available if it is an option they wish to pursue. </p>

<p>I am not sure exactly what is not positive about having volunteered to help others or share with others here without any financial gain in my discussions previously. I never benefitted in terms of my work when I participated here. If anything, I was helping people and they may have benefitted. I certainly never did other than personal satisfaction. I never earned anything. I could easily have mentioned in these many personal emails that I could help as a counselor for money but never mentioned it, as I helped voluntarily. There was nothing at stake for me finanicially in chatting online. If anything, I have given countless advice on very specific questions sent to me and never earned anything from it. I LIKE doing it. I hope others have gained when I have done so voluntarily.</p>

<p>I'm happy to continue to post as a mom. Now you know that I am also trained as a counselor and may read my posts differently as to my perspectives. But nothing has really changed as I volunteered before and still do. I do not get paid by CC to participate whatsoever. I have written free Ask the Dean answers to inquiries, all on a voluntary basis. CC is a site that tries to be a resource and offers many free things, not just paid services. My participating as a mom on here all this time was all it was as it never connected to getting paid as an employee nor did anybody sign up for services because of it. I never pushed or let on that I also do it for pay if someone wanted it. I simply liked sharing and helping. I do not get paid anything except when someone has signed up for a service and I am assigned their counselor. Being ON CC message boards is nothing I'm asked to do or paid to do. I came on as a mom, still do.</p>

<p>In any case, thank you for your feedback and good wishes as I do appreciate them very much. I enjoy participating on the forums as a mom, perhaps am an "informed" mom, and I also enjoy the ongoing one on one contact that I have with clients. The kids I counseled for fees last year, as well as their parents, have never even been on the CC forums! They did not even know about them. My work with them was not connected whatsoever with the forums. Never met them here; they've never come here.</p>

<p>I have opted to continue as a parent on the forum for my own personal satisfaction and enjoyment but do NOT do so for the company. I chose to openly share what I do for work. There are others who work in this profession who participate but do not choose to share what they do for their work. I hope I can be helpful as a poster, nothing more. if someone wants ongoing one on one help, I can do that too as a counselor. I participate here as a parent voluntarily and not for CC. Now you guys know what I do when not being a mom on here! :D</p>

<p>Best to you and again, many thanks for your support. </p>

<p>Susan</p>

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<p>Susan-</p>

<p>It wasn't personal - just my opinion about forums and their moderators/posters. I have my own forum (unrelated to college), so I am sensitive to how I represent myself...and have even been bashed for posting on forums related to my interest (not my own forum) and not disclosing my interest in the industry. </p>

<p>Again, it's nothing personal. You've done a wonderful job! I was moreso pointing this out for CC's leadership. People can take it the wrong way - and some obviously did. It's best to disclose up front. </p>

<p>Let's focus on the well wishes. Congrats again.</p>

<p>Ps. I think we're all very lucky to have so many trained counselors giving free advice! (thinking of Carolyn, too)</p>

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<p>Thank you Momsdream. I know your feedback was meant in a positive way and I do appreciate your sincere well wishes. </p>

<p>One tricky thing in this situation is that I came to the forum as a parent and became a trained counselor later on and chose to keep particpating solely with my parent hat. So, in that way, nothing changed on my end of the forum but now, I felt it was best to just come out and say what else I have been doing SINCE I originally joined over three years ago as a parent!</p>

<p>Best,
Susan</p>