Stephanie Brazinsky
High School Counselor
Denver South High School (CO)

What drew you to the world of college admission counseling?
In spite of the financial challenges I faced growing up, I was able to attend Boston University (MA) as a result of the financial aid and scholarship that I received. My college experience changed my entire world perspective as well as my life trajectory. It opened my eyes and my mind to ideas that I had never dreamed possible. As a result of my experience, I became committed to the idea that anyone who wants a postsecondary education should be able to attain one and finances should never be a barrier.

What is your favorite part of the job?
What I love most about my job is the inspiration that I get from my students. At South High School I have the opportunity to work with a diverse student population. In my role, I see students with great resiliency overcome obstacles and chart their paths to success. It is an honor for me to play a part in guiding and supporting these students and to know that they are going to go off and share their talents with the world.

How has NACAC played a role in your career?
NACAC gives me the opportunity to learn from colleagues and to exchange ideas with other counselors. It also gives me an inside perspective of how things operate from the college admission side, and has created a forum for me to advocate for my students through my role as government relations chair for the RMACAC affiliate. The conference is a fun opportunity to connect with all my friends in this field who I have gotten to know throughout my 27-year career.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing our profession today?
I feel that access and affordability is the greatest challenge facing our profession today. As the cost of college and university continues to rise, I worry that some of our most talented students may not have access to the education they desire and deserve.

When you aren’t working, what do you like to do?
When I am not working, I like to spend time outdoors with my husband and my two amazing Labrador retrievers. I love running more than any activity in this world, but biking, yoga, swimming, and rock climbing are all tied for second.

What five words would you use to describe yourself?
Committed, caring, hardworking, disciplined, and fun.

 

Published Oct. 3, 2022