Unique Patterson – College Adviser at Chambersburg Area Senior HS

 My experience as a College Adviser has been extremely rewarding.  I am honored to work for youth who are excited to learn new things about higher education.  Not only have the students I work with learned about extraordinary post secondary options, but I too have learned about so many different and remarkable career fields that our youth are looking forward to pursue. 

 As a college advisor, my main goal is to help students complete critical steps for college entry while empowering them to make positive choices about their education.  I have met with so many students who are the first to go to college in their family and they put in so much time and effort to find the right post secondary program that suits their needs.

 I begin meeting with a young lady who knew what career field she wanted to pursue and what school she wanted to go to, but she just could not figure out what steps to take.  We began meeting once a week in the fall researching schools that would offer her all of the experiences she imagined.  After hard work, writing and editing personal essays, showing her how to compose a resume, and gathering quality recommendations, she had all of her applications in by Thanksgiving break.  Long and behold, she was accepted to all of the schools she applied to and was eager to help her older sister with the college admissions process.  I remember her quoting “Ms. Patterson thank you so much.  I knew what I wanted to do but I know without your help I probably would have not sat down and apply to these colleges.”  She is now enrolled at Penn State University-Mont Alto campus for the fall.

Simple guidance and reaffirmation will allow any student to discover the limitless options they have in higher education.  I am a first generation student and I did benefit from several college access programs so I know what it feels like to be a high school student unsure of the college admissions process.  I am passionate about the issues of education and college access because without the opportunities I had in high school I am sure I would not be in the position I am today.  I am honored to work for the Keystone College Advising Crops and greatly appreciative to work for such wonderful youth.