It is often said that the college admission profession attracts two types of people: those who see it as a steppingstone in their careers and those who dedicate their lives to the work. When I accepted the position of transfer admission counselor 22 years ago, I wasn't sure which path I would follow. Looking back though, I realized I was always meant to be a lifer—I just didn't know it yet.

In many ways, I grew up in this profession. More than a job, it has been a vocation, and I truly believe it is my calling. Fresh out of college at 23 years old, I was eager but still finding my footing. I stepped into a recruitment territory where many of the prospective students I worked with were old enough to be my parents. More than once, a student asked to speak with my director simply to confirm the information I had shared. It was challenging not to be taken seriously because of my age, but those experiences motivated me to become an expert in serving my student population. I committed myself to understanding their unique circumstances so I could provide thoughtful, informed guidance.

My recruitment territory has always been remarkably diverse, and learning the stories, cultures, and traditions of my prospective students has been one of the greatest privileges of my career. Their experiences have continually broadened my perspective. I've worked with refugees rebuilding their lives in unfamiliar communities after leaving family members behind in pursuit of a brighter future. I've also worked with single parents who spent years putting their children first and, in midlife, found the courage to pursue educational dreams they had placed on hold. While some aspects of admission work can feel transactional, far more of my experiences have been transformational. I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand how education changes lives, and I know that my role in helping students navigate that journey truly matters. My "why" is reflected in the students I serve every day.

The students are only part of what has made this career so meaningful. Equally important are the colleagues who have become trusted friends and mentors. When you work alongside someone who remains a constant through years of organizational change, staff turnover, and the evolving landscape of higher education, you build an extraordinary partnership. For me, that person is Tina Miranda, who is approaching a milestone work anniversary of her own. After nearly two decades of navigating recruitment together, we have built a level of trust and collaboration that enables us to work seamlessly. During the busiest recruitment seasons—when travel schedules are full, campus visits are nonstop, and the to-do list seems endless—it's reassuring to know that while one of us is on the road, the other is keeping everything running smoothly. That kind of partnership is invaluable.

Of course, it's not all hard work. Some of my favorite memories have come from celebrating successes together. Over the years, Tina has become much more than a colleague; she's the kind of friend many people are fortunate enough to meet in college. We started our careers together in our early twenties and have shared so many of life's milestones—engagements, weddings, the births of our children, and the experience of raising kids who are the same age. I am deeply grateful to have someone who understands both the profession and the season of life I'm in, someone who celebrates the highs and helps navigate the inevitable challenges.

To those who are just beginning a career in college admission, my advice is simple: look around and find your people. Seek out colleagues who will become your mentors, collaborators, and friends, and invest in those relationships. Take time to reflect on the impact your work has on the students you serve. Look beyond the transactions and recognize the transformations taking place every day. That's where the true meaning of this profession—and its lasting magic—can be found.