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with ongoing support for your forks in the road!
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In this book, Alex Ellison shares a new way for students to discover their own paths to college. Moving beyond the
Cult of College Prestige, Alex offers a student-centered approach, inspired by the unique personalities, talents, and passions of her clients to create a discovery process that helps families find clarity amid the increasingly dysfunctional college-application process.
Coming Soon to a Bookstore Near You...
Through Line:
The Science Behind Your Hidden Talents
and How to Harness Them for Success
Published By Harvest, an imprint of HarperCollins
https://www.throughlinebook.com/
Agent: Eve MacSweeney, Fletcher & Co
About
I've devoted my career to working with people facing transitions
-- those forks in the road -- by helping them discover their unique gifts and putting them to good use.
I've worked with high school students wondering what is possible beyond graduation, college students who are feeling less-than-satisfied with their paths, and professionals considering making a big career change.
I'll help you discover your innate talents and traits, and then I'll show you how to align your gifts in everything you do.
I serve as a guide to people around the world in one-on-one guidance sessions, group settings at schools, universities, and offices, and through my writing. I've spoken and written on job hopping and jobs of the future, navigating college admissions with a more lighthearted attitude, and discovering innate aptitudes and putting them to work.
I look forward to working with you as you navigate your big education and career decisions.
The journey is never linear... what fun would that be?
My journey
It's been a crazy ride, but here are the major checkpoints in this adventure so far...
BA, Northwestern University
In German and Business
Thought I wanted to be an international diplomat of some sort (oh how things change as we grow)
Fulbright Commission
Teaching English in Austria
Spent several months living in Austria and teaching high school students about American culture and language
Service Learning Coordinator
University of Nevada
Built a service learning program in the Honors Program at the University of Nevada
Certificate in College Counseling
UCLA
Completed my certificate in UCLA's College Counseling program
Founder, Dunce Labs
Reno, NV
Went out on my own and try a fresh, lighthearted, student-centric approach to college admissions counseling
Researched the Swiss Higher Education System
Think Swiss
Spent two months in Switzerland researching their educational system and how elements of it can be applied to the US
TEDx Speaker
University of Nevada
Gave a Tedx Talk titled 'Educating the Next Generation of Job Hoppers'
SXSW Speaker
South by Southwest - Austin, TX
Gave a talk at SXSW Edu titled 'Gen-Z is for Sensibility'
Masters of Public Administration
University of Nevada
Received my Masters in Public Administration and Policy with a Higher Education Emphasis at UNR
Professional Status
Because there are scammers out there, I should tell you that I'm a member of NACAC and a professional member of IECA (Independent Education Consultants Association), which means I adhere to the Principles of Good Practice. Here are 10 Ways members of IECA are different from other education consultants.
Kind Words
I get giddy every time I read these...
Kris Kuyper, Parent
"Soka was the perfect place for Aaron - he is a different person! He hasn’t played World of Warcraft since he left home When I text him to check in, he texts back 'Don’t worry, I’m thriving'. Thank you again."
Eliza M., Student
"I just wanted to let you know that I am LOVING Berkeley. It feels like such a perfect fit...You were so helpful throughout the entire process and so far it's been a big success :)"
Jim & Cindy B., Parents
"Thank you, Alex, for all of your support, guidance, encouragement and expertise...You are a treasure! We are so thankful you are in Nicole's Life!"
Chris Case, Global Studies Director, McQueen High School
"Alex’s worldly experiences coupled with her training and experience as an educational consultant create a perfect relationship that our students find very valuable. Alex is a very important part of our students’ global experience."
Holly Verbeck, Parent
"I'm the parent of a senior, and I can't do what Alex does. I can't get my child to always open up about her dreams like she does. Alex is a specialist. We can tell how much time she's spending in the background weaving together our child's aptitudes, interests, and potential, giving us really solid direction. I'm deeply moved by what this experience has done for us."
Joanna, Parent
"We are so grateful to have Alex’s guidance throughout this process. Our daughter started her discovery phase “late” for a variety of reasons. We did not feel rushed at all. Alex answered all our questions and got to know our daughter, how she works and Alex helped her to understand what she was looking for and which schools offer the best learning environments based on how she works best. And, because of her knowledge, Alex presented several school options our daughter had never considered. "
From the students
Don't take my word for it...
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I can't wait to hear from you...
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The Mission
Offering a bold but lighthearted approach to college planning.
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