Letter From the Founder

When I think about why I founded CollegeThoughts, I think about my grandfather.

He swept the floor of the bookstore at William & Mary. When his children and grandchildren sent updates about their accomplishments, he posted them on the bulletin board inside the store. Two generations later, I have the privilege of helping students find their way there to study. I stand on his giant shoulders, knowing what access to education can mean for a family.

I also think about the student I was.

I attended a public high school in Philadelphia through a magnet program that benefited from desegregation. Ebony magazine recognized me as one of the top young Black Scholars in the country. Yet some of my teachers discouraged me from applying to Princeton. I applied anyway and graduated in 1997.

That experience has stayed with me. I know how much possibility a young person can carry and CollegeThoughts grew out of that belief. I have seen families who wanted the best for their children struggling with conflicting advice, unfamiliar expectations, and the fear of getting something wrong. Parents were trying to help, but conversations about college often became a source of tension. Students were trying to understand who they were while feeling pressure to prove themselves.

Too often, the admissions process turns an opportunity for discovery into a search for validation. Rankings and acceptance rates suffocate the chance to find a college that will instruct, support, and nurture a student well. Families deserve reliable information, a clear plan, and a compassionate partner who knows their student and can help put the noise in perspective.

At CollegeThoughts, we guide students toward ownership of the application process. We help them express themselves authentically and clearly, strengthening their applications as they build confidence in their own voices. And, here, we put relationships first. Of everything we have built at CollegeThoughts, I am proudest that so many of our staff members were once my students. There is something deeply meaningful about watching former students become the people who guide and encourage someone else.

My story would look different if I had let others narrow my dreams. Finding the right college means understanding where a student can grow, find community, and access opportunities that matter to them. A prestigious school may be a wonderful fit. So may a college your family has yet to discover.

When your family works with us, I want you to feel that you can take a breath. You can expect a coach who gets to know your child, listens to your concerns, and helps you understand what needs attention now and what can wait. Our individual guidance complements the work of school counselors, from exploring interests and choosing classes to building a thoughtful college list and preparing applications. Along the way, we help students stay organized, find their voices, and take increasing ownership of the process. I want parents to feel informed and supported, with less pressure to manage every detail—and students to feel comfortable asking for help. Most of all, I hope you can enjoy more of this time together, knowing that we care about your child and their healthiest next step.

It would be a privilege to be part of that journey – and it can start now!

Cheers-