In January, longtime advisor Joan Batcheller announced she would be stepping down from her current role at the College and Career Center. A much sought after staple of students’ college queries, Batcheller has been an instrumental figure in transforming the role of the College and Career Center over the past decade.
“I started here roughly 10 years ago when John Walker hired me. I had four things I needed to do: one junior parent night talk, one financial aid night talk, meeting with sophomores to give them their Naviance ID, and meeting with seniors to find out where they went to college. That was my job description.”
But since then, the College and Career Center has blossomed into a must-visit destination for one-on-one meetings and weekly Academies providing students with information about the college-application process. “We went from being in the back of the library with three days of meeting with students in my whole year to the big program that it is today.”
Senior Andrew Dong, who recently went through the process of college applications, spoke about the important counseling Batcheller was able to provide to him over the years. “I remember she told me as a junior that the PSAT was for the National Merit Scholarship. If I didn't know that, I probably wouldn't have studied for it, and I actually ended up qualifying.”
From what qualifies as “reach” schools, to what colleges look for in applicants, Batcheller has seen her fair share of student worries over the years. And in her final months at the helm of the College and Career Center, she shared her number one piece of advice for students applying to college.
“I think you need to stay true to yourself and find your fit authentically. Get rid of branding and the names that you think are what you want, versus what’s truly in your heart. Where are you going to find your people? Where are you going to find a job when you graduate? And where are you going to find a supportive community where you can find a friend?”
For Campo, Batcheller has served as a voice of reason in the relentless academically competitive environment that sees students taking 12 APs and leading multiple clubs. A frequent advocate for lesser known schools and community colleges, she testifies to the importance of finding a college that fits one’s personality, and doesn’t leave them drowning in student loans. “In the long run, when you're 40 years old, the name of your school isn't going to matter, it's just ‘are you a good person, good friend, good brother or sister.’”
Batcheller, who recently welcomed a new grandchild, revealed the reasoning for her retirement and plans for the future. “I've been doing this a long time, and the great thing is, I'm going to continue working part time. I'll be working about 20 hours a week, so I'll still be here, and I have funding separate from Campo. I just won't be schlepping at 7:30 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon.”
And as she steps away, leaving her impact on the College and Career Center, Batcheller reflects on what her time at Campo has meant to her. “I think that part of helping people find their pathway, whether it's I'm working for PG&E or ‘I'm now a multi millionaire and have my own company,’ It's all a spectrum, but it's just helping kids find their path. Because life is a journey.”
