Shelsea is a college student undecided about her future, and wondering whether she wants to be in school at all. But she feels pressured by her Haitian mom to finish her degree. Then, a seasoned college counselor shares strategies for figuring out your own path and engaging your loved ones in the process.

Featured Expert: 

Sharon Williams is a college counselors at the University of Chicago’s Laboratory school. She has worked in college admissions on both the college and high school sides since 1986, including at Maret School, an independent school in Washington, D.C., and at Elgin Academy in suburban Chicago. She was also featured in our sister podcast, NACAC’s College Admissions Decoded, Avoiding the Parent Trap: Common Sense College Admissions. Learn more about her work here.

Sharon recommends the following community organizations and resources to support students along their educational journey:

Posse

Questbridge

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation

And for students in the Chicago area:

High Jump 

Link Unlimited

Chicago Scholars

If you loved this episode, be sure to listen to She Had to Choose Her Career Over Her Parents, and She Loves Her Work, Her Parents Don't Get It.

We’d love to hear your stories of triumph and frustration so send us a detailed voice memo to hello@talktomamipapi.com. You might be on a future episode! Let’s connect on Twitter and Instagram at @TalkToMamiPapi and email us at hello@talktomamipapi.com. And subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts.