Post by Ayesha Waheed

I walked into this year uncertain. It was my first year at a new school — new systems, new students, and new expectations. I thought I’d play it safe. I was scared to experiment. Too scared to leave my comfort zone. But growth rarely happens when you’re comfortable — and this year reminded me of that in the best possible way. Some of my students received full-ride scholarships. Others were accepted to places many only dream of: Oxford, Imperial, LSE, Edinburgh, UCL, UBC, NYU, Northwestern, University of Michigan, Union College, Northeastern, and more — with scholarship offers often crossing $300,000+ for four years. But what I’m most proud of? Helping them find their right fit — not just the most famous name, but the place where they’ll thrive, feel seen, and grow. That lesson — that it's about where you belong, not just where you can go — was something we discovered together. I also completed a course (announcement soon!) with #IC3, and it gave me tools I didn't even know I needed. Today, I feel more confident than ever — not just in my students, but in myself. To the Class of 2025: thank you for trusting me. To my mentors and colleagues: thank you for walking with me. And to myself: I’m proud of you for taking the leap. #Classof2025 #Oxford #Imperial #LSE #UBC #NYU #RightFitMatters #FullRideScholarships #CollegeCounseling #ProudCounselor #IC3Advocate #FirstYearReflections #StudentSuccess #Gratitude #Growth