Dear Colleagues,

It is officially that time of year.  Your email inbox is starting to see more action (for better and/or worse) and the alarm clock that you disabled on your phone has emerged from its summer slumber. 

The return of school can be bittersweet.  I wholeheartedly enjoy catching up with students and seeing the friendly faces of colleagues, but the arduous task of getting back into the swing of things can pose some challenges.

If you are also struggling to climb onto the back to school bandwagon, I have created a few tips that may help you. 

1.)    Marie Kondo your workspace.  No, seriously.  I decided to come in a few days early to get my office “set up” for the new year (#motivationgamekindastrong).  I sorted through old road brochures, embarrassingly outdated visit posters and discovered a NACAC guide from 2014.  What am I doing with my life? Do I need this?  No. Hard Pass.  As a college counselor, I hold on to SO many things I will probably never need again.  It is time to declutter and reevaluate what is used in my professional space.

2.)    Decorate with a purpose.  Kids these days are STRESSED OUT.  I could go on and on about the never-ending rise of anxiety in today’s youth, but I will refrain (you’re welcome).  Look around your office and decide if it is a place that is welcoming to your students.  Hang things on the wall, put up that massive Common App poster they mail out every year (I hung it up and my students stare at it for an unbelievably long amount of time – they love it) and sincerely try to make your workspace a place that is unmistakably comfortable.  We spend most of our day in our workspace, so why not make the view great?

3.)    Go out of your way to meet the new people.  Remember when you started a new job and you did not have any work friends?  Yeah.  Tough times.  Make a career transition easier for someone else!  Go out of your way to introduce yourself.  This gesture is small, but it can make a huge difference to someone who would likely welcome a familiar face.

These are a few of my tips; what are yours? Think about what can give your life less clutter and more clarity, and share it with your colleagues. I’m proud to be a part of this community, and excited for the year ahead!

With TACAC pride,

Ashley Plaeger

Ashley is the Associate Director of College Counseling at The Emery/Weiner School in Houston. Prior to her time here, Ashley worked as the Louisiana State University Senior Regional Admissions Counselor/ LSU Texas Alumni Coordinator and the Director of College Guidance at Second Baptist School. When she is not helping students with their college applications, Ashley stays active in the Houston community. Some of the many organizations of which she is a proud member include is an active member of the VICTORY Houston Executive Board, Kappa Alpha Theta Houston Alumnae Executive Board, Houston Area Panhellenic Association (Delegate), and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Magazine Committee Editorial Board. She is also a riding member of the Mystic Krewe of Nyx in New Orleans, Louisiana.