College. The word alone can evoke feelings of excitement, anxiety, and nostalgia — if you’re a parent, sometimes all at once. As LCA’s college counselor, I anticipate the typical questions, but I also know that each family and each child in that family will approach the conversation from a different starting point.
At Legacy, college planning begins as early as Middle School. It’s a time for exploration, building critical-thinking skills, and developing a mindset. I want students to be able to experience different elective classes, engage in intellectual conversations, and be challenged academically while simultaneously building their character, courage, and determination.
Is college for everyone? Not necessarily, but everyone deserves the chance to explore the options and make that decision. I work with each Legacy student beginning in eighth grade. As a Christian, I believe everyone possesses gifts and talents bestowed by our Creator, and LCA provides students the opportunity to develop the gifts God has given them.
I’m honored to shepherd our families through the college-discovery process. As I walk with them, I have a priority for each grade. In freshman year, I emphasize the
importance of being the best student you can be, learning what you enjoy, and, just as important, learning what you don’t enjoy. The sophomore year deepens in introspection as students are able to articulate more clearly what they see in the world and how they see themselves using their unique abilities to serve their communities. During the junior year, we jump in with both feet. As their counselor, for me, it's all about the college fit. It’s my job to help students define the best fit for them — academically, socially, spiritually, and emotionally.
Every story is just a little different from all the others. There’s the traditional scenario: earn a four-year bachelor’s degree. But there are other possibilities: there are gap-year programs, an accelerated master’s program, community college, specialty degrees, and professional-program pathways. In an ideal world, every student will begin asking questions — How is college different from high school? How close to home do I want to be? What schools have a good music program? Do I have a good chance of making the soccer team? — long before the hectic junior year.
When you enter the arena of college conversations, parents, too, have questions (and opinions): What size of school will allow my child to thrive? Is there a strong Christian community? Should she apply to my alma mater? My son’s first choice isn’t mine. Can you help us find schools we’ll agree on?
Parents, I also serve as your counselor in the process. I have 16 years of experience in navigating this all-important time in the life of your entire family. Even though you have your child’s best interests at heart, I can guide you to the schools where your child will thrive and grow. God does have a plan, and a dedicated college counselor can help navigate the way.
Legacy Christian Academy is Frisco's preeminent Pre-K through 12 Christian school committed to educating students in a college preparatory environment balanced in academics, athletics, and fine arts–all within the context of a biblical worldview. For more information on Legacy, visit our admissions page.