Kristen BixbySarah is a college counselor for Campus Bound. Learn more about her in this Staff Spotlight.
BA, Colorado College
Sarah has been working in college counseling with high school students since 2013. She has experience in school-based programs, community-based organizations, and a university setting. Sarah has taken numerous courses on youth development, community involvement, social justice and financial aid.
In Her Own Words:
My approach:
“It’s a privilege to be able to work with young people during this unique, transitional time in their lives. I enjoy collaborating with the multiple constituents involved in the college process in order to best serve my students and families. I’m passionate about helping my students navigate the numerous steps of the college application process, including working through the many pieces of the financial aid puzzle. This exciting, challenging time presents such an opportunity for growth and I love helping students develop the self-advocacy and coping skills they will need as they transition into their post-secondary lives. I’m dedicated to empowering our young people to take action and seek out resources for their continued success in their educational journeys.”
What I love about what I do:
“While I’ve been working in the world of higher education and college counseling for the past six years, I am constantly surprised at how challenging the process seems to become each fall. I remember feeling so overwhelmed and scared of the whole experience back when I went through it myself. I have the privilege of helping students and families work through those same fears today. The entire ordeal can be so stressful, not just on students, but on those who support them. We expect so much out of teenagers, and I’m so happy to be able to guide them in this process. I think the entire college application cycle is great preparation for college itself; I enjoy helping students build and harness their adaptability, organization, and resiliency as they create college options for themselves. I have seen tremendous growth in the young people I have worked with, and it’s truly rewarding to have a career where I’m able to witness all the first seeds of the great things our next generation of leaders and innovators will accomplish. I love collaborating with my talented colleagues, and one of Campus Bound’s greatest assets is the wealth of knowledge from our diverse team; we can always lean on each other and make sure that we’re utilizing all of the available resources to provide the best services to our families. There’s absolutely a place – in fact, many places! – for each and every young person and it’s an honor to help them realize this.”
What I do in my spare time:
“My husband and I just rescued a black lab mix puppy a few months ago, and she’s been keeping us quite busy this fall and winter. I love to spend as much time outdoors as I can, hiking and exploring New England with those two. It’s really wonderful to be on the east coast and have access to the beautiful beaches in the summer and the mountains in the fall and winter. I also have a lot of family out west, so I love making trips back to Colorado and Arizona to visit everyone. Just like my new puppy, Penny, after being active – whether it’s running, hiking, or going to yoga – I’m just as content to curl up on the couch with a good book or show. I love to read, cook, try new restaurants in the Greater Boston area, and spend as much time with my loved ones as possible.”