THANK YOU! 

As we approach the 1 year anniversary of College Counseling for the Rest of Us (October 20, for those of you keeping score at home), I thought it time to reflect and to celebrate.

Like the Statue of Liberty – just shorter, male and less metallic – I wanted the tired, the poor, the huddled masses yearning for additional financial aid to have access to information and guidance.

I wanted to bring college advice to the adults, the learning disabled, the 1st generation, the middle class, the working class, the huddled masses who didn’t have a 2400 SAT and 7-figure 529 plan.

I wanted people to know that community colleges are fine, affordable establishments.

I wanted people to know that college admission information is not top-secret; it’s just sometimes hard to find, contradictory and/or overwhelming.

I wanted people to know that not all college classes are outdoors.  During the month of October.  With red and golden leaves.  With 1.5 smiling females and 1.5 smiling males, all of various demographics.

I hope – in my own small way (with the help of some wonderful colleagues), I have been able to do that through these blogs, my counseling, my workshops and my social media efforts.

And, although I know there are still “miles to go before we sleep”, I wish to offer a toast to:

  • ALL of the counselors, colleagues, clients and friends (well you’re ALL friends) who have actually read my blog and offered wonderful support, guidance and criticism.  I’m forgetting a bunch of people, but here are just some of those names  – John (both of you), Ed, Megan, Barbara, Bridget, Hilary, Michelle, Robin, Steve, Carol, Barb, J B, Mike, Susie, Karen, Kimberly, Katie, Kara and (insert your name here because Michael forgot).  Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!!
  • All of the families and students who have trusted me to guide them and provided me with so much joy.
  • The folks at so many colleges that have supported Cafe College and the (currently on hiatus) College of the Day and this entire project.  Particularly, though, I wish to thank the folks at Truman State University and Delta State University for blowing the roof off my website views on the days they were each College of the Day and Felician College, Lasell College and St. Anselm College for volunteering to launch the Cafe College concept this month!  THANK YOU!
  • Everyone who has viewed my website (7300+), the YouTube channel (over 1200) and the Facebook page (over 250).   And to this blog’s 26 subscribers.  Thank you!  Your support and your input are both invaluable.
  • My sons, who are 16, took their PSATs for the 2nd time this weekend and provide me with ‘insider’ information as a parent to compliment my ‘insider’ information as an admission and financial aid professional.  I’m not just the President; I’m also a client.
  • My daughter, who – at 12 – has become my “go-to” camera person for my YouTube videos on the CC4theRestofUs channel.
  • My wife, who has been so patient and supportive as this project has gotten off the ground.  I love you and thank you, Stefanie!
  • Everyone else I should be thanking, including my future clients and my eventual book publisher who will guide me through that initial blockbuster best-seller about the adventures of Ashley, Brad, Caitlin and Justin as they try to find the right college that “fits” their needs and goals.

I’m looking forward to year 2 and beyond.  May the “rest of us” always matter in higher education.

As always, I welcome your comments and questions.  Please feel free to email me at info@cc4therestofus.com, call or text me at 908-403-3819, join me on Facebook on “College Counseling for the Rest of Us” and join me on Twitter at @MichaelCCR.   And now on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/CCRMichael?feature=mhee.