Faith Filled Family: With so many issues to
review, what type responsibilities do you regulated
to the applicant?
Stephanie Kennedy: This is a very personal
journey for each student and each family. I believe
that the more time I can spend with the family
and student, the more effectively I can “guide”
or “coach” them to make the decisions that are
right for them. Basically, I provide a road map that
explores the “nooks and crannies” of their journey
that can make all the difference in knowing if they
have chosen the best destination for them .
Faith Filled Family: Is it common to have the
students involve their pastor or faith advisor in
the selection of the next step in their education
process?
Stephanie Kennedy: I have not observed this
very much. However, two pastors I interviewed:
from very small congregations, said that they
made a point to meet with each of their high
school seniors to carefully discuss their choices.
I think that is very rare. For a number of students
and families, however, their involvement with their
church is so primary to their social life, and their
service life that they can’t ignore the influence.
However, I think that the peer pressure to choose
a college that is well-known and touts prestige is
a conflict for families and students who do want a
faith presence in their college years. Because I
see this as a great need, my partners at My College
Planning Team and I reach out to churches and
youth ministers in presenting our workshop on
choosing and affording college.
Faith Filled Family: Do your clients come from
various parts of the country or mostly from a
generalized area?
Stephanie Kennedy: At this time, I am preferring
to establish a strong base within the suburban
Chicago area, but Skype allows me to work with
students from anywhere. What is important is the
ability to connect with the student’s personality
and way of interacting.
Faith Filled Family:
Can you provide the
instructions regarding the Skype process?
Stephanie Kennedy: The student and I are
required to log in together to the Skype utility.