This year at RAHS we got a new part-time college lead in the Career and College Readiness…Ms.Soosai!
Before stepping into her new role as College Lead, Ms.Soosai spent the past 13 years as a dedicated English teacher in our school’s English Department, primarily teaching 11th grade and creative writing. She also taught some 9th grade classes early in her career,
Soosai splits her time between the classroom and the Career and College Center (Down B wing stairs). Her new role focuses on guiding students through their next steps after high school.
What does it mean to be a “College Lead”?
Soosai expressed, “Largely what that means is to help students figure out their next steps after high school. That could be things like navigating the college application process, narrowing down college options. Helping students find scholarships and understand how financial aid and FAFSA and all of that works.”
She explained that her role involves both working directly with students and managing behind-the-scenes systems. Students can make appointments with her just like they would with a counselor. In addition, she also visits classrooms to give lessons on future planning. Along with her team, she works to build a strong college and career ready culture in the school. Making sure students know their options, from college visits to application processes. Much of her work focuses on improving communication and creating systems that help students plan for their futures.
Are freshmen and sophomores encouraged to stop by the College Center too, even though college might still feel far away for them?
She explained that it’s very helpful for freshmen and sophomores to visit the College Center, even if college feels far away. Meeting with her or their counselors early on can give students a better understanding of how to start preparing right away in ninth grade.
It sounds crazy, but the choices you make as a freshman really can shape your options as a senior…Even if college feels far away, those early steps matter.
Do you think juniors should stop by the College Office at least once?
At minimum, I would say juniors should really start considering coming to the college representative info meetings because colleges are coming here to meet with students. So that’s a way to start to get a feel for colleges, and decide if you want to go visit them or not.
We have seniors that are getting help with applications right now. And the first one of the first things they have to do in the common app is enter their most recent grades.
…this data will go somewhere if you’re applying, you know, to a college the fall of your senior year. So all of those things are helpful to even just have an adult that’s like here’s what the game looks like right now.
What kind of impact can coming into the college and career center have on students?
Soosai expresses that RAHS students don’t have to have your entire life planned out. Focusing on just the next step can help reduce pressure and make big decisions feel more manageable.
You do not have to have your whole future planned out…we really just want you to have your next step figured out…what is the next thing? the one next thing that you do after high school, whether that’s going to a trade school, going to a two-year, a four-year, taking a gap year and getting a bunch of cool volunteer experience, going onto some kind of other vocational transition program. Just have one next step.
It can be so stressful and so exciting, but we’re here to help you figure out your next step and how to take it.
