Christina McDade, MSW, M.Ed, CEP
10-12 Counselor/ Future Pathways Advisor
Lincoln Community School, Accra, Ghana

What drew you to the world of college admission counseling?
I’ve had always had a fascination with universities, even while growing up in Gary, Indiana. I spent the summer of my 8th grade year writing letters to colleges in the U.S. And in some way, that has played a role in what I do now. From my start in the United States, to the work I do overseas (Kuwait, UAE, and now Ghana), the world of university admissions is all about the advocacy of the student in making sure they feel confident and supported throughout the nuances of the admissions process. I am nerd for this work. I still get excited when I get to learn about a new program or university that may be a good option for my students.

What is your favorite part of the job?
To me, it’s the biggest honor to be part of a kid’s first major grown-up decision, and to be a trusted adult in that journey. I tell kids and parents all the time that the admissions process doesn’t exactly give you what you want, but you will get the things that you need to experience to prepare for the next phase of your journey. I enjoy the fact that I can incorporate my social-emotional background with the decision-making process, making room to discuss wants and desires, but also fears and feelings.

How has NACAC played a role in your career?
If it wasn’t for my affiliate, International ACAC, I would not have been a member of NACAC. My affiliate has opened pathways of leadership. I am an active faculty member for workshops, and I love the unique community of the international landscape. However, understanding the changes that are happening in the U.S. and how it affects international students is key to advocating for the needs of ALL students. It’s why I try to participate in some of the NACAC webinars and read the Today in College Admission newsletters. The information helps me to better articulate to my diverse student body the nuances of U.S. admissions and policies that may affect them during their process, no matter where they apply to university.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing our profession today?
Going deeper in the terms of equity and access in the profession when it comes to students, especially when it comes to non-U.S.-passport-holding students. Areas of need include redefining first-gen as it applies to the international landscape, making the process to apply for need-based aid equitable, and advocating more for students in the visa process because it has gotten tougher for certain students with particular passports. In addition, students today are aware of global issues. As a profession, we must be willing to discuss and problem-solve how to support our students with polarizing issues like Palestine, Sudan, and the DRC, just to name a few. There are over 55 current conflicts in the world right now, and we as a profession need to take a bigger lead on being open to nuanced conversations. If where we send our students are indeed global institutions, we have to get comfortable with the uncomfortable.

When you aren’t working, what do you like to do?
I love to listen to music and make playlists. I also enjoy writing, baking, and swimming.

If you could be any fictional character, who would it be and why?
The combination of Olivia Pope and Annalise Keating — both beautiful, flawed, powerful women who will fight for their clients at all costs…and have fabulous style.

 

Published Sept. 23, 2024