Shawn Wochner
College Counselor
Marian Central Catholic High School (IL)

 

What drew you to the world of college admission counseling?
As a first-generation college student, I’ve always been driven to ensure every student has access to the opportunities that can shape their future. That commitment led me into college admission counseling, where I began my career focused on expanding access and guiding students through the process.

I spent the early part of my career working in proprietary schools before serving for 12 years as a regional counselor for my alma mater, recruiting both first-year and transfer students. In the middle of my tenure at that institution, I also gained valuable on-campus experience at a community college, further broadening my perspective on student pathways.

In 2021, as schools reopened following the pandemic, I transitioned to the high school side where I was given an opportunity that aligned perfectly with what I had been seeking: the chance to build meaningful, sustained relationships with students while supporting them more directly in their college journeys and also deepening my own faith.

What is your favorite part of the job?
My favorite parts of the job are the relationships I build with students and the opportunity to be part of their journey through high school. I genuinely enjoy getting to know each student, their story, their strengths, and what motivates them as well as being someone they can trust and turn to. Watching their growth from freshmen to seniors is incredibly impactful to me. Seeing a student gain confidence, overcome challenges, and begin to understand who they are and where they want to go is what makes this work so rewarding. Being able to support them as they figure out a path that is uniquely their own is something I don’t take for granted.

In addition to being the college counselor, I serve as the director of football operations. This role has provided another avenue to connect with students in a different setting. Being part of a team environment allows me to support student-athletes beyond the classroom, contribute to a shared sense of purpose, and help shape experiences that build character, accountability, and pride. One of the most meaningful parts of this role is facilitating a spring leadership cohort with members of the football team centered on building authentic leadership skills and helping them become the type of leaders their peers respect, trust, and choose to follow.

How has NACAC played a role in your career?
My involvement with NACAC has had a meaningful impact on both my professional growth and my sense of connection within this field. Through NACAC, I’ve built relationships with colleagues from across the country who have challenged my thinking, shared new perspectives, and ultimately made me better at what I do.

Some of the most valuable experiences have come from attending NACAC conferences, engaging in virtual learning, and serving on committees. Each of these have offered a chance for me to grow while contributing to the profession and staying on point with trends within the industry. NACAC has also helped me stay closely connected to what’s happening in Washington, D.C., giving me a clearer understanding of the policies and national conversations that directly impact our work and the students we serve.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing our profession today?
One of the biggest challenges facing our profession today is the growing gap between what students need and the support systems available to meet those needs. Ongoing shifts in federal education policy — including reduced investment in the Department of Education, increasing limitations around student financial aid despite rising college costs, and the erosion of protections for students with disabilities — create additional barriers for the students we are serving.

We’re being asked to do more with less while helping students navigate a more complex system. Meeting this challenge means continuing to advocate for students and ensuring they have the support they need.

When you aren’t working, what do you like to do?
When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with my wife, Christie, and our 14-year-old daughter, Emma. Much of our time is centered around Emma’s passion for theater, whether that’s supporting her in her own performances or traveling together to see Broadway shows — it’s something we genuinely enjoy as a family. During school breaks, you can often find me in my basement catching up on my favorite reality shows or binge-watching a legal or political series. I’m also an avid bowler and still compete in a sport I’ve loved since I was 5 years old.

What five words would you use to describe yourself?
Accountable. Detail-oriented. Organized. Pragmatic. Spirited.

 

Published April 20, 2026