Freshmen and Sophomores: Explore, Develop, and Define Your Identity

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Early high school is a time for discovery, a chance to explore new interests, build good habits, and begin shaping your future story. Freshman and sophomore years set the stage for everything that follows academically and personally. I help students use this time intentionally: to explore, develop, and define who they are and where they’re headed.

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Exploration with Purpose

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Freshman year is about trying things, joining a few clubs, taking classes that spark curiosity, and seeing what fits. But by sophomore year, it’s time to begin focusing. Together, we identify what truly matters to you and how to invest your time wisely. The goal is depth over breadth: not doing everything, but doing the right things well. Colleges notice sustained effort, growth, and genuine engagement far more than long lists of activities.

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I also guide students on how to spend their time outside of school, whether through meaningful activities, volunteering, or part-time jobs. Admissions officers value real-world responsibility and authentic interests far more than “check-the-box” activities.

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Strategic Academic Planning

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Course selection is one of the most important (and often overlooked) parts of early high school. I help families make thoughtful choices that align with both academic strengths and future goals, ensuring students take as much rigor as their school allows without compromising grades.

 

We’ll also discuss how your classes build a clear pathway toward potential majors or programs of study.​ In addition, I provide support with early test evaluation and connect families with trusted executive functioning coaches to strengthen study habits, time management, and organization skills, key foundations for long-term success.

Connecting Passions to Purpose

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Through guided reflection, personality assessments, and conversation, I help students uncover what excites them, the intersection of interests, talents, and values that form the backbone of a compelling college narrative. Sophomore year is a great time to begin exploring potential majors or career paths in a low-pressure way. Using insights from these conversations, we create a long-term strategy that ties your academics and activities together into a story that highlights your growth and strengths.

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Building Confidence and Self-Awareness

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These early years are also about learning who you are. Together, we work on building confidence, communication, and self-awareness, skills that later translate into powerful essays, interviews, and classroom presence. I help students learn to articulate their ideas, reflect on their experiences, and recognize the unique qualities that set them apart.

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Making the Most of Summer

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Summer is an opportunity to explore and grow beyond the classroom. I help students identify experiences that align with their interests and goals, from academic programs and community involvement to independent projects or employment. The best summer plans aren’t about prestige; they’re about purpose.

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A Long-Term Roadmap

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By the end of sophomore year, students should begin to see the bigger picture. Together, we map out a long-term plan that connects each year of high school to your goals, coursework, testing, extracurriculars, and summers, so you enter junior year with clarity and confidence.

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Supporting Families Along the Way

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These years can feel overwhelming for families, too. I help parents and students stay aligned, easing stress and ensuring everyone feels supported rather than pressured. My goal is to help your family work together with calm, clarity, and a shared vision for what comes next.