Testimonials

"I didn't know much about college as a kid, but I was at least sure I was going to go to college. My parents never graduated high school, but they always told me that college was the way for a better life. An easier life than the one they had. This is a silly thing I remember: When I was 10 years old, I was going to make a wish on a dandelion. I thought to myself "I wish I could go to Harvard," but then I thought that's unrealistic. That wouldn't come true! Something else. So instead, I closed my eyes and wished that I would go to a good college, maybe something like Harvard. At that age, I was already limiting myself and talking myself down. I was already telling myself I wasn't good enough. Colleges like Harvard weren't meant for people like me. People who were poor. People whose parents didn't finish high school. People who weren't even that smart or talented or pretty or interesting. When I was 17, I didn't think I would end up going to Yale. I don't even think I would have even applied without Vi. I wouldn't have believed in myself. The more I've talked to other people about their college application experiences, the more I learned that not many school counselors push kids to be daring and take risks. Vi encouraged me to be daring and to apply to "dream school and "dream scholarships. I would not have heard of the Gates Millennium Scholarship without her, and I don't know if I would have wont he scholarship without her writing me a recommendation letter. She was always supportive and was a beacon of resources in an underserved school. I owe a lot of my success to her commitment, encouragement, and her drive. I was nervous applying to all those "dream" schools, but she told me I could and that I should. She believed in me when I didn't fully believe in myself. Maybe that's a cliche, but it's true. Vi encouraged me to apply to those schools, and I was accepted into them all: Stanford, Princeton, and Yale. And because of the Gates Millennium Scholarship, I was guaranteed a full ride to any one of them and to graduate school if I wanted to pursue postgraduate education. In college, when I was applying to Master of Public Health programs, I remembered her and how she taught me to not sell myself short and how she taught me to try to be brave. So I applied to 9 programs, including Johns Hopkins, and I was accepted to every one. Thank you, Vi, I'm helping people now and loving my dreams and I couldn't have done it without you."

                                                             - Shelby, Yale Univ. Class of 2019

                                                                 UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Class of 2021

"Realization hit me in college that a lot of other kids had a plethora of resources inside and outside of school they needed to succeed and Vi was really the only resource I had for the first time in my entire primary school experience, but she was the best! I had the greatest college counselor that helped me explore options that piqued my interest rather than push me into a streamline pathway. Definitely helped carved most of my adult life by being a gateway for my dreams to come true and guided me when I felt completely at loss! Pushed me (like a mother) to do better for myself and pursue my interest."

                                                                 - Jay, UCLA, Class of 2019

"Being a source of encouragement, inspiration, and drive for me! You helped me so much with college applications, scholarships, and that feeling that you believed in me and wanted to see me go to college, really made me motivated"

                                                                 - Esther, Univ. of Tx at Austin, Class of 2019

"Being a child of immigrants, there's so much that we must figure out on our own.. It was absolutely invaluable to have Vi as a resource and source of encouragement while trying to navigate the application process. Her energy was infectious and it was so refreshing to feel welcomed and celebrated. Her passion to help us succeed has made for far reaching impacts."

                                                                   - Eric, Univ. of Tx at Austin, Class of 2017

"Vi is an amazing counselor and college consultant!  She is so friendly and approachable.  I know how important it is to start early to figure out the best classes for my daughter's high school tenure.  I was unprepared for how confusing the whole process was!  I didn't realize that as a freshman, my daughter will have to take a TSI test in order to take ACC courses, until it was too late.  My daughter wanted to take an AP seminar class, but there was no room in her schedule to do so without taking an ACC course in the summer.  Thank goodness Vi helped me figure it out! The alternative was to have her take a course at UT High School, so it all worked out. I'm glad to have Vi on my side to help me navigate my daughter's high school years!!"

                                                                       -Jennifer, parent of a student in class of 2025

"There's not a lot I knew about college except that I knew I was going to get in some way, some how. Vi was both my some way and some how. She provided me valuable mentorship during a crucial point in my life setting me up for a trajectory that so far has included an Ivy League education and a medical degree. She did this in many ways but the thing that really sticks out to me was her dedication and active attention. She provided a safe space for students filled with resources, many of which she acquired on her own, which would aid in our pursuit to further our education. She always kept us in mind whether it was keeping up with our high school academics, remind us of our deadlines or providing us with opportunities regarding different programs that existed and how to fund these programs. Most importantly, she encouraged us, always ready to answer questions, dispel myths or listen without judgement to our dreams and desire for the future. Even her office was decorated to inspire us."

                                                                       - Chinaza, Harvard, class of 2019

"Vi helped me when my school counselor was unavailable and unhelpful while planning my four year plan. She answered all my questions about high school and future classes that my counselor was unable to answer. I'm so glad she supported me, and that she became one of the most reliable people I know.  I m so glad to have her around!"

                                                                          -Emry, high school class of 2025

"As a first generation student, not knowing where to even start with my college journey, you were the one person who ensured I not only knew what I was doing, but that I knew what opportunities were out there for me. I am forever grateful for your guidance. And today, I am proud to say I have my M.A. in Mental Health and Wellness Counseling and you helped pave the way for me. I am eternally grateful for you."

                                                                         - Leslie, Univ. of Tx at San Antonio, Class of 2017

                                                                                                     New York Univ Class of 2022