Cheers! We’re here today to chat with Empowerly Counselor Megan W., an extraordinary educator with a dynamic background. When working with students and families, Megan brings a myriad of invaluable firsthand experiences as well as comprehensive training across academic disciplines. Megan excels in helping students craft compelling essays that sway a college admissions committee. Extremely sharp with the written word, she has helped students pursue their dreams at the top universities in the US and beyond.
We can’t wait to see what Megan has to share with us today. So get a seat; let’s dive in!
This interview is Installment 13 in our Coffee with a Counselor series. To read more profiles like this, check out other posts right here on our blog and subscribe to our newsletter!
About Megan
Empowerly counselor Megan W. is an education expert. She holds a Bachelor’s in English and a Speech Communication minor from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. This degree is complemented by both an English and Legal Services Teaching credential and a College Counseling Certificate from the University of California, San Diego.
Megan also ventured into law as a certified Paralegal. Awarded Teacher of the Year in 2021, Megan’s dynamic career as a high school teacher has seen her passionately guiding college-bound teens.
Currently residing in California, Megan’s expertise spans from West Coast institutions to colleges across the U.S. (as well as internationally), aiding students in gaining admissions to prestigious schools like Pepperdine, the University of California campuses, Northeastern, Texas A&M, and more. Her dedication to education and counseling has made a significant impact on countless students’ futures.
How did you hear about Empowerly? How did you get started as a counselor in the first place?
“I discovered Empowerly online and was immediately attracted to their commitment to empowering students to reach their aspirations through expert guidance, comprehensive resources, and a personalized approach to college planning. As an independent counselor, I sought an opportunity to join an organization that offered a range of services—including Essay Editing, Summer Internship Programs (SIP), and Admissions Committee (Adcom) Review services—which I was unable to provide by myself. In the six months since joining Empowerly, I’ve embraced the opportunity to connect with my colleagues, work with outstanding students and families, and utilize the extensive resources and services that Empowerly offers.”
A triple threat: perspectives of an educator, parent, and mentor
What experiences make Megan a great counselor?
“Over 18 years as a high school educator and more than a decade guiding students through the college application process, I have gained a deep understanding of the educational landscape. Counseling my son through his college journey has given me a personal perspective on the challenges and rewards of this process. As a former activities director for seven years, I’ve helped students develop successful Passion Projects, enhancing their applications and personal growth. My experience enables me to connect with students and parents on a meaningful level, providing empathetic and informed guidance. I’m passionate about inspiring students to pursue their interests and navigate the complexities of college admissions. My background and personal approach make me a dedicated and effective college counselor.”
Sharing education and empowering individuals
Truly embodying the spirit of uplifting others, Megan works hard to make education possible for all students. She and her family visit Nicaragua three times a year, where she stays to counsel students who attend an International School on the coast of San Juan Del Sur. While there, she brings her unique insights and knowledge to assist students in Nicaragua on their journey of applying to colleges in the United States.
How would you describe your approach to counseling?
“As a counselor, teacher, and mother to two teenagers, my approach to working with college-bound students involves balancing empathy and understanding with the clarity and guidance necessary to navigate students through the complexities of the college admissions process. Getting to know my students is a top priority, and I take a genuine interest in what my students do outside the classroom, including their hobbies, family life, and extracurricular activities, while acknowledging them as individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. In addition, I believe in the importance of setting realistic goals, holding the students accountable, and creating a productive environment where students are motivated to take action through manageable steps and guidance.”
Do you have a particular student success story to share?
“I recently worked with a student who had struggled academically and with her mental health post-COVID. Her grades had dropped, and she had moved schools three times over her high school years. She did not think it would be possible to find a university that would admit her with her low GPA and lack of extracurriculars. However, together we crafted beautiful essays showcasing her unique experiences (specifically spending ten years of her childhood living in Nicaragua, helping build clean water systems for families in need). In the end, she was admitted to her dream school, as well as five other universities!”
What is something you’ve learned from your students?
“As an educator for over 18 years, I have learned that every student is unique. Each student has their own learning style, interests, and pace of learning. I recognize and appreciate these differences, and I made every effort to adapt my teaching and counseling style to meet my students’ varied needs and personalities.”
One piece of advice you would tell students now?
“Surround yourself with people who believe in you, your passions, your goals, and your vision.”
What is a piece of life advice that has stuck with you?
“Failure is not the opposite of success, but a part of it. Every failure is an opportunity to learn, grow, and understand what doesn’t work so that you can find a way that does.”
Final Thoughts:
The phenomenal counselor community at Empowerly understands the importance of each unique student’s journey. To start, all you have to do is ask. Book a free consultation below to receive a customized recommendation for your college application plan.
