Kristen BixbyAmy Swords is a Senior College Counselor for Campus Bound. Learn more about her in this Staff Spotlight.
BS, St. Lawrence University
Amy has 10 years of college admission experience and 20 years of college counseling experience at an independent secondary school. In addition, she was the College Consultant for Corporate Recruiting and Training at Aetna where she hired college students for the corporate intern program and graduates for introductory training programs. The mother of two college graduates, Amy is able to relate to the parent’s side as well as that of the student during the college search and selection process.
In Her Own Words:
My approach to college counseling:
“I have always considered each student an individual who deserves to benefit from a positive college experience. High achievers, athletes, artists, and those who are still exploring should each be able to determine where their talents and abilities will be valued, and continue to use them while discovering new interests. Guiding students towards those colleges or universities where they can continue to grow and develop their interests is as exciting for me as it is for them.”
What I love most about the college process:
” My entire career has been spent with high school and college aged students; how lucky am I? I loved hanging out in my high school guidance office talking with my counselor and the college admissions professionals who came to visit our school. I knew then that I wanted to pursue college admissions counseling and have enjoyed my experiences from both the college and high school perspective of the career. Helping students focus on their specific interests in choosing a college and removing them from the strategies that can sometimes be overwhelming, is the best part of this job. Students discover themselves during the search process and are well prepared to select the college or university that will help them to continue to flourish. Witnessing that growth is so rewarding! ”
How I enjoy spending my free time:
“Finding time to do the things that bring enjoyment is a gift, and important to do. As I get to know my students, I often times ask them what they would do if given three hours of unscheduled time. No surprise, most teenagers say they would sleep or hang out with friends! I would open my craft closet and pull out a project that has been stowed away to do “someday.” I love to read, watch movies, go to the beach, ski, cook and take long walks with my dog and husband. I’m a huge fan of college sports and all of this area’s professional teams. I met my husband when we were both working in college admissions, so it’s fun for both of us to tour college campuses wherever we go.”