Meet Eve - Bay Area College Counselor.

Why I became a college counselor

Upon graduating from high school, I was required to support myself and found jobs that provided for me financially but not emotionally. I worked for small and large businesses, gaining experience in a variety of roles. My administrative jobs at The Clorox Company, MCI Telecom, and other corporations did not fulfill my passion - I needed to be in a role that engaged me directly with people. My educational experience lacked encouragement or financial assistance from my family. After struggling through community college, I was finally eligible to transfer to a four-year university, a monumental goal. I gained self-confidence! I realized there were subjects that I could delve into and studying became my passion! I graduated from Sonoma State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with Distinction and a minor in Psychology.

With the help of internships, mentors, and professors, I knew I wanted to work in education and chose to be a school counselor. My master’s in counseling program provided me with wonderful tools to use that applied directly to my profession. Each day provided new opportunities to assist people; whether to be an advocate for the students, to aid them in academics, or to provide resources for young people, I was able to make a difference!

Goals

The opportunity to become a college and career counselor came and I immersed myself in the UC Berkeley College Counseling program. My belief is that all students who want to continue their education should be provided support. My services for low-income, first-generation students have been extremely fulfilling. Whether I am volunteering or working with a paid client, I support students while they are learning about themselves - I guide them through the self-exploration process and provide a nurturing, safe environment.

My goal is to help students find schools that are a great fit, have the best chance of admission, and raise their self-awareness by enabling them to connect with their strengths, values, and interests. My understanding of the challenges they face, the unfamiliar tasks at hand, and the anxiety of going to college are balanced by my ability to listen, support, and provide tools to help students and families through this exciting time.

Having experienced my own challenges of going to college has prepared me to be empathetic and supportive to all my clients. I am so grateful for the support and encouragement I received from my husband and friends to continue my education. Without them, I know that meeting my goals would have been that much more challenging.

My Experience

I have been guiding students and families as a college counselor for almost 20 years.

• Currently an independent college counselor and educational consultant (5 years)

• A former school counselor at Novato High School (14 years)

• A former admissions reader for UC Berkeley (1 year)

  Reading applications for UC Berkeley’s Freshman Admissions has provided me with additional training. Understanding the holistic approach, reading essays from a variety of backgrounds and experiences and evaluating applications has enriched my ability to support students. Brainstorming essay topics helps students begin the writing process and confirms the validity of the topic to engage the admissions officers.

  Watch Eve’s video about how she incorporates her background and experience with college counseling- video hosted by StartUpHype

Education

In 2003, I earned my M.A. in Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services and MFT Marriage and Family Therapy at Sonoma State University. A believer in continuous learning, in 2017 I obtained a certificate in College Admissions and Career Advising from UC Berkeley Extension. I am still in touch with my classmates where we meet monthly to exchange ideas, brainstorm, and share resources to better support our students. I am also a member of the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA), Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) and Western Association for College Admission and Counseling (WACAC).

Based in Novato, CA | Eve Cooper Consulting provides college and career counseling in Marin, Sonoma, SF Bay Area, and online across the US.