Ginger Jessop
Director of College Counseling
Carondelet High School (CA)

What drew you to the world of college admission counseling?
Like many admission professionals, I started as a campus tour guide in college and couldn’t believe it when my supervisor told me that talking with high school students about their college aspirations could become a full-time job. All these years later, I still love talking with students about college and the many possibilities that lie ahead.

What is your favorite part of the job?
The students! Supporting them through the college search and application process is the most fulfilling part of my work. I also love that there is always more to learn in this field, and, of course, I enjoy meeting fellow counselors from around the country during conferences and college fly-in programs.

How has NACAC played a role in your career?
When I moved to the high school side of the desk, my first NACAC conference served as a much-needed crash course in college counseling. I look forward to the annual conference each fall as an opportunity to continue learning from and reconnecting with colleagues. Eventually, I became more involved in my local ACAC, first as a volunteer and later as the co-chair of professional development on the WACAC executive board. I’m grateful for the resources, professional growth, and lasting relationships WACAC and NACAC have given me.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing our profession today?
Cutting through the noise and reaching our students and families in a meaningful way. The college counselors on my team and I focus on building one-on-one relationships with our students so they view us as a trusted resource. But competing for their attention, particularly with social media, continues to be a challenge.

When you aren’t working, what do you like to do?
I love being a mom to my 6-year-old daughter and 4-year-old son. This fall, I’m looking forward to weekends filled with kids’ soccer games and college football!

If you could be any fictional character, who would it be and why?
Tami Taylor from Friday Night Lights. She gets to do our job, but with fabulous hair!

 

Published Sept. 14, 2026