When I first met John, I was a naïve high school student with no drive and direction. I was essentially going through life not taking initiative to realize my full potential.

However, as of May 11, 2022— I am much closer to realizing my potential than ever before. Long story short, I went from a lazy underachiever in high school to an MS in Finance graduate from Vanderbilt University who landed a six-figure job on Wall Street at the age of 23. How did I do it? By taking John’s advice.

On that fateful Saturday afternoon in April 2017, I met John at a chain restaurant called Wagas in Shanghai. I spent a few minutes telling him about myself, my subpar high school GPA, and how little direction I had in life. Instead of ending the session right then, John thoroughly listened to me and asked several follow-up questions. I could tell immediately that this man wanted to help me. Learning about the kind of person I was, he pitched an all-male liberal arts college in Indiana, called Wabash College, to me. Being honest with myself at that time, I knew Wabash would be the right fit for me. John also knew I needed to be around people who constantly pursue academic and personal excellence while making sure their friends follow suit.

Although I had my ups and downs at Wabash College, that place was exactly what I needed. I needed to be around people who were devoted academically and professionally. I needed an alumni network that is always eager to help. I needed to be surrounded by professors and classmates who constantly pushed me to act responsibly, think critically, and lead effectively. Taking John’s advice at Wagas in April 2017 has changed my life and I would not be where I am today without him. He’s the best college counselor out there and I owe much of my success to him. 

John’s not just your college counselor, he’s going to be your friend and mentor for life. I am living proof that John changes lives and he will change yours too.