UPLIFT
When in Doubt, Turn to Your NACAC Familia One NACAC member credits his sense of community — built by his affiliate group and his participation at the annual conference — to his longevity in the field.
By Carlos Cano
“I have the best job in the world. I love what I do.” I recently said those words to my 14-year-old daughter, trying to be a motivational parent. At this point in the conversation, I expected she had probably zoned out. Instead, she surprised me by asking, “Why?” Normally, I could go on about the million reasons why I love the work I do, but don’t worry, I won’t do that here. With a captive audience, it’s better to get straight to the point. I hope what I shared with her will reso- nate with you, too. First, I thought about the oppor- tunity to help students and families navigate a complex process at an important time in their lives. Students and families are a huge part of the reason why I am engaged in the field of college admission, as choosing the right college can unlock a lifetime of opportunity. Without access to sup- port and informed individuals, that decision can be fraught for many. Students and families are my North Star, and my colleagues on all sides of the proverbial desk — near and far — make the journey possible.
It’s true that the challenges we face can feel daunting, but every year I am thankful to attend professional development conferences, including the annual NACAC conference, where I am reminded of the strength and spirit of our community.
Carlos Cano Director of Undergraduate Admissions The Stevens Institute of Technology (NJ)
44 • THE JOURNAL OF COLLEGE ADMISSION
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