Meet an Admissions Counselor: Kimberly Asselta

We’re bringing back our popular series, Meet an Admissions Counselor, where we introduce students and families to a different member of the College Coach admissions team. Drop in to see what we’re reading, where we went to school, and our strategies for beginning the college essay. As you work with us to find an educational consultant who best fits your needs or the needs of your child, we will help you consider the personality and working styles that will bring out the best in you or your student. Today we introduce Kimberly Asselta, who works with students both remotely in the Rye, NY area. Where are you from, where have you lived, and where do you live now? I was born in New York, but grew up in Stratford, CT. After college I settled in Massachusetts. Now I live in northern New Jersey. What are you reading, watching, and/or listening to lately? My husband and I just started watching Nine Perfect Strangers and Ted Lasso while we wait for the next season of This is Us and The Handmaid’s Tale. I just finished the Silent Patient and I’m currently reading Next Year in Havana. I love to read and I’m trying to model good reading behavior for my middle schooler who doesn’t! I try to always have a book in my hand (instead of my phone) during down time. What do you do for fun or to relax? Cooking, baking, strolling through Homegoods and Target, live music (especially country), and the beaches of Cape Cod and the Delaware shore are all on my fun list! But most of my free time is spent on the golf course. My sons are competitive golfers and we spend a lot of time traveling as a family to tournaments around the country. I don’t play, but last year I won a Caddy of the Year award! What are some of your interests—things that fascinate you or send you down internet rabbit holes, or things you love to learn more about? The book I’m currently reading is about Cuba in the early 1950’s. A book I read earlier this summer was about Henry VIII. I have to keep my phone near me because I’m always compelled to search important people and events to find out more. I really should have been a history major. I also love any show on HGTV! -- Where did you go to college? Stonehill College What did you study? I majored in Communication, with a minor in Irish Studies. What was your favorite thing about college? I loved everything about college! I was able to narrow down to my top 3

1. Living on campus: I loved living in the dorms, being surrounded by friends, never knowing who you were going to run into at the dining hall, late night pizza deliveries, practical jokes. I could go on and on. I met two of my best friends the first night of freshman year while brushing my teeth in the shared bathroom. And I met my husband first semester in Introduction to Communication.
2. Study abroad: I spent second semester junior year at the National University of Ireland, Galway. My first time on a plane was the flight from Newark to Dublin. I learned so much about myself, my family history, and the world in those six months.
3. Becoming a tour guide: I don’t think I would be where I am today if I wasn’t a tour guide for four years at Stonehill.

What about your college experience was different from what you expected? I was a first-generation college student and it has taken me a long time to realize the impact that had on my college experience. I had NO expectations going in. I just knew I was going there because that was the next step, and it was something my parents worked really had to make sure I achieved. I didn’t know what was there, and I really didn’t understand the value of those four years. I wish I spent more time exploring things outside my comfort zone. What would you say to your high school self if you could coach him/her through the research and application process? What would you have done differently? I wish I had taken more ownership of the process. My parents really led the charge and I had no idea what I wanted or what to look for. It all worked out in the end, but I wish I had been more engaged. Oh, and I would have been nicer to my mom! -- Where did you work in admissions and/or counseling? College of the Holy Cross and Babson College What aspect of the college admissions and/or counseling process do you most enjoy working on? Brainstorming essay topics. If a student opens up and isn’t afraid of the process we can come up with some great ideas. What in your mind makes a good college essay? When a student allows themselves the freedom to tell their story in their own voice. I find that students are paralyzed by the belief they haven’t done enough or have to have done something extraordinary to be successful in this process. Everyone has a unique story, if you get out of your own way and just tell it! How would you describe your counseling style? I see myself as a partner in this process. I enjoy working with students who are open to self-discovery and doing the work to make this process successful. I can be a task master when needed, but I enjoy getting to know my students and being their cheerleader.