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As NSCD’s new college counselor, Mark Seamon draws on years in higher education — first as a theater professor and director at liberal arts colleges, then in admissions at Notre Dame — blending his love of teaching with a thoughtful, student-centered approach that helps students find their next step and themselves in the college process.

What do you love most about working with students through the college process?
I’ve always loved one-on-one work with students. You really get to know them, and they get to know you. That familiarity helps them open up — it makes the process more comfortable. I love asking questions, getting them to talk and helping them understand who they are and how to express that. 

If you could give your high school self one piece of advice, what would it be?
I’d tell myself: You are the best thing you have going for you. Be authentic. Don’t try to sound like what you think someone wants you to sound like. It’s so valuable and admirable when a student is truly themselves — it makes the process easier and more genuine. I’d also tell myself to look more broadly. Back then, I applied to just a few schools because that’s what everyone did. I’d go back and explore more options, different types of colleges, different places.

What’s something people might not realize about college counseling?
That the process goes best when the student is in the driver’s seat. Not the counselor, not the parents — the student. When the kid takes ownership, everything runs more smoothly and it’s more meaningful for everyone.

What do you hope students feel when they leave your office?
Relaxed. More at ease. Seen and understood. Ideally, they leave thinking, “He gets me — and he’s got me.” I hope they even feel a little joy, like, “That was actually kind of fun.” If they look forward to coming back, then I know we’re doing something right.

What’s one myth about the college process you’d like to bust?
That it’s linear. People think it’s a straight line — set your goals, follow the path and you’re done. In reality, it’s rarely like that. There are twists and turns and that’s OK. The more open and flexible you can be, the better it goes. It’s not all science — there’s a lot of art in it, too.

Read the full Q&A and learn more about our College Counseling program in the upcoming winter issue of Acorn Magazine.