Heidi Clark-Smitley of Catholic Central on College Counseling: Planting A Seed And Having Options.

Heidi Clark-Smitley of Catholic Central on College Counseling: Planting A Seed And Having Options.

Author: Venkat Raman October 24, 2024 Duration: 1:00:56

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As a junior In High School, Heidi was intrigued about College. Although her College Counselor wasn’t very motivating. And her parents were not College graduates.

Her parents paid for a College Counseling program at a local community college. Heidi found this exciting and inspiring.

Today, Heidi is the Director of College Counseling at Catholic Central High School in Michigan.

Heidi joins us on our podcast to talk about her background, Catholic Central, Counseling Approach, Challenges, Information Overload and her continued passion for Counseling.

Check Out: The College Application Workbooks for Juniors and Seniors

In particular, we discuss the following with her: 

  • Heidi’s Background
  • Approach to College Counseling
  • Challenges
  • Staying Excited

Topics discussed in this episode:

  • Introducing Heidi Clark-Smitley, Catholic Central []
  • Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
  • Professional Background []
  • Why Counseling? []
  • Catholic Central []
  • The Role []
  • Approach to Counseling []
  • Enticing Students to meet Application Deadlines []
  • The Challenges []
  • Information Overload []
  • Reflecting on the 2 decades []
  • Students’ Self-Awareness []
  • Staying Excited []

Our Guest: Heidi Clark-Smitley, Director of College Counseling at Catholic Central High School, MI.

Memorable Quote: “I look at the student, and I go, you probably got your driver's license recently, or about to get your driver's license. So here's the deal, you are in the driver's seat of this college exploration and planning, and the rest of us are passengers. And although we might be backseat drivers at times, we are simply passengers.” Heidi Clark-Smitley.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Recommended Episodes: College Experiences, College Application Workbook 

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Navigating the path from high school to college is filled with big questions and personal choices. College Matters. Alma Matters., hosted by Venkat Raman, offers a space for those stories, moving beyond dry advice to share real conversations. Each episode brings forward the voices of people who have been exactly where you are-alumni reflecting on their campus lives, faculty members discussing what they look for in students, admissions officers demystifying their process, and counselors offering grounded strategies. This isn't about a single formula for success; it's about hearing a diverse collection of journeys and practical insights that can help you shape your own. Tuning into this podcast feels like getting honest, thoughtful perspectives from a trusted mentor. The focus remains on authentic personal experiences, from the challenges of preparation to the transformative moments of actual college life. By presenting these narratives, the aim is to both inform and inspire, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of what lies ahead. For any student charting their course toward higher education, these conversations can be a valuable companion, offering clarity and encouragement for the road ahead.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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