Sunny Park Suh, Ed.D.
School Counselor
Hunter College High School (NY)
What drew you to the world of college admission counseling?
The spark that led me to work in higher ed, and eventually guidance, was my college experience. It was truly transformative! I would have continued living on campus if I didnāt have to graduate! I was incredibly fortunate to have amazing mentors and role models, people like Rochelle Calhoun and Beverly Tatum, who are still in the field. I am tremendously grateful that Mount Holyoke College (MA) gifted me with a strong foundation and a sense of security as a woman, immigrant, and a person of color. By my senior year, I knew I wanted to play a role in transforming young lives in college.
What is your favorite part of the job?
Being a school counselor at a NYC public school is amazing, but it also has its challenges. The last three years have put such a strain on studentsā mental health. So many kids feel like they are walking on a tightrope; their anxiety is palpable. Given all the challenges, watching studentsā social and emotional growth is incredibly rewarding; like when kids overcome their self-doubt, or learn to be kind to themselves. Just learning to ask for help is a small but critical step.
How has NACAC played a role in your career?
I came from higher education, but from student affairs, not admissions, so Iām a ānewishā guidance counselor.Ā I only joined NACAC four years ago, but because of COVID, professional development opportunities were really limited. Now that in-person activities have resumed, I was thrilled to be able to attend my first NACAC conference last September. I even had the opportunity to present with several amazing AAPI SIG members; and Iām currently serving on an ad hoc committee examining student mental health. The access to other professionals and career development has been fantastic!
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing our profession today?
Unfortunately, most public school counselors tend to have very large and unwieldy caseloads, with little or no professional development, especially in large urban settings with high-needs populations. Too often counselors are overworked and underappreciated. I wish quality college/postsecondary counseling and academic/emotional support were a priority, and more accessible and equitable for all our students.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing our profession today?
Unfortunately, most public school counselors tend to have very large and unwieldy caseloads, with little or no professional development, especially in large urban settings with high-needs populations. I wish quality college/postsecondary counseling and academic/emotional support were a priority, and more accessible and equitable for all our students.
When you arenāt working, what do you like to do?
Juggling two kids, a spouse, and a crazy big dog keep me on my toes, but I have great friends and co-workers who keep me sane. I enjoy napping, gardening, cleaning (no joke, ask anyone who knows me), and traveling. I went down the Netflix and K-dramas rabbit hole during COVID, and unfortunately, I still canāt get outāhelp!Ā I used to be a tennis fiend, so Iāve been told I need to start playing pickleball.
Published March 13, 2023