3 minute read
Prepped for Success
Hunter Upchurch, Associate Director of College Counseling, and Malika Lindsay, Director of College Counseling
Hunter Upchurch, Scott Overby, and Avery Overby DJ Johnson
Romney McLeod
Malika Lindsay, Max Van Pelt, and Akhila Adari
BY MISTIE DESPER Hometown Rankin
Iwant students to shift their thinking to ask which institution is going to be lucky enough to get me,” explains Malika Lindsay, Jackson Prep’s Director of College Counseling.
Malika has held her position for the past five years at Prep and helped countless students reach their highest potential. She said, “I am humbled by the opportunity to work with families and honored that they have decided that I am someone they will look to for guidance.”
Jackson Prep is known for its rich academic program. The academics not only offer rigorous courses but electives that are designed to enhance each student in specific areas of interest under the direction of inspiring instructors who are experts in their disciplines.
The college counseling portion begins as early as 7th grade. The program eases the transition into thinking of life beyond high school. For many families and students, this can be a time filled with exhilaration and excitement but also anxiety and fear. Counselors are available for every step of the journey to guide families and students into making the best decision for them.
Associate Director of College Counseling Hunter Upchurch said, “Everyone’s process is a little different. I always tell people this is the best job at Jackson Prep because I get to help [students] dream and explore their options.”
Malika has been involved in education for 27 years and Hunter for 14 years. Together they are combining their love for Prep students and helping them step outside of the box to see what is out there for them and how they can obtain the success of their dreams.
The program amps up in a student’s junior year. From there, counselors meet with each family and student to discover their interests, goals, learning styles, and what they hope to achieve from their personal college experience. Hunter said, “We have a kick-off their junior year with sessions that detail the ins and outs. We begin laying out their timeline for the rest of spring to guide them into making good, strategic decisions.”
During senior year, they help students weed out certain schools or apply to schools they may not have considered before. Letters of recommendation are written during this time, as well.
Malika recalled, “We had one student who ended up going to Harvard. He was not initially thinking of schools like that. We were able to look at all he’d accomplished. He was a very humble student, and his college lists changed when he learned his assets. I want to change how they see themselves.”
She is just as excited and encouraging for the student whose aspirations include something off the beaten path. She strives to help each student lay out the college experience they truly desire and helps give them the tools to get there. Being passionate and confident in the goals a student sets are large components to the overall successful college experience.
Jackson Prep provides a place where students of a variety of aptitudes, strengths, weaknesses, interests, and goals can find the resources to maximize their abilities in all areas.
The program and counselors become very invested in each family and each student. Malika added, “I am honored to work with each family. I want to help them, but I know part of that is letting them go on into the world. It’s about getting them to that next level and being successful.”
Hunter added, “I love the work I do. It’s such a great fit for me, and still teaching allows me to have daily contact with students, which I incredibly enjoy.”
Malika concluded, “We really focus on helping them find the best fit at an institution and encourage all students to think for themselves. We want them empowered and excited about life beyond high school and know that there is a place for them.”
