Anna Takahashi
Director of College Counseling
Eastside College Preparatory School (CA)
What drew you to the world of college admission counseling?
College (back in the 1900s) was a transformative experience for me in ways that I never could have imagined. Working in college admissions allows me the opportunity to work with students as they embark on something new and life-changing for them, their families, and our community.
What is your favorite part of the job?
My students! There’s no such thing as a typical day — their questions keep me on my toes, their enthusiasm is contagious, and they make me laugh with all the random things they do and say. They can drive me nuts and senior year of high school has a lot of big feels, but they’re also authentic, vulnerable, adventurous, and excited. It’s an amazing feeling to watch them go off to their next chapter!
How has NACAC played a role in your career?
NACAC is family — it’s where I can find community and learn from my extraordinary peers and colleagues. NACAC is my “go-to” resource to stay on top of what’s happening in the world of admissions and higher education. The professional development and learning opportunities are invaluable — from the annual conference to the various webinars with experts; from the Journal to informative emails with news about higher education policy and advocacy. While my work with students and families forces me to hone in on specific parts of the college process, NACAC’s resources provide me with the important big picture view.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing our profession today?
Part of what we do is to prepare our students for a future that might look very different than the present. This uncertainty feels big these days. And it’s all the more important for our students (and all of us) to build and hone our skills in critical analysis, communication, creativity, and innovative thinking.
When you aren’t working, what do you like to do?
I love exploring and I love outside time — I enjoy hiking, traveling near and far, eating well, and spending time in good company. I also love a good book and enjoy getting recommendations to add to my ridiculously long to-read list. (And I love recs for great places to visit and foods to try, too!)
If you could be any fictional character, who would it be and why?
Tigger. What a throwback! He has such a pure joy for life, he exudes optimism, he’s always up for adventures, and he’s surrounded by good friends.
Published Sept. 21, 2026