Since June of 2022, as a part of the district’s comprehensive strategic plan, the motto of LT has been “Vita Plena: The quest for fulfilling life.” Anujin Lkhagvasuren ‘26 views the College and Career Center as a staple and embodiment of that motto, effectively guiding many students into various paths of life. With an expanded list of resources and opportunities over the years, more students can pursue post-secondary education with readiness.

“I was the student in high school scared to ask for help,” College and Career Counselor Cody Dailey said. “[Now] my role at all times [is] to support students in all pathways.”

Located in NC room 148, paraeducator Katrina Byerle, College and Career Center assistant Christa Arquila, and Dailey spend every day hands-on, creating more resources to keep students informed, and expanding their outreach. Some of these resources include timelines of deadlines, lists of trade schools, and scheduled opportunities for student-to-counselor meetings, or family-to-counselor meetings with Dailey. 

“There are no silly questions in this college process,” Dailey said. “No [student] in this high school has gone to college, so it would be odd if students knew everything about this process.”

A commonly asked question of Dailey is: where have LT students gone and thrived? The most recent resource addition addresses the question as an LT enrollment map, collecting alumni data on why they chose their college, with opinions and quotes on what influenced them.

“If you have questions, don’t be afraid to ask,” Dailey said.

Upcoming events include Military Week in November with military recruiters from different branches and Essaypalooza, where college representatives review admission essays. Recent events like College Representatives Week, where representatives speak to students to promote their schools, and the summer College Bootcamp that walked students through the Common Application process, have had great attendance and feedback.

“Student feedback means a lot to me,” Dailey said. 

Beyond resources, outreach is vital in making post-secondary education an option for all students, Dailey said. Last year, African American students attended the 100 Black Men College Fair and visited Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Hispanic students attended the Field National Hispanic College Fair and visited Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs). A tailored college and career planning guide for students with special needs was assembled. In addition, preexisting clubs are offered. For example, the scholarship club serves students from different economic circumstances, and the First Generation Club connects with students who are the first in their families to take on post-secondary education.

“I want to make sure everyone feels seen, understood, and appreciated in this space,” Dailey said.

Lkhagvasuren has been a part of the First Generation Club since freshman year, scheduled meetings with Dailey, met with college reps, and was in attendance for the summer College Bootcamp. She expressed gratitude for being able to learn about this process for all four years. She believes speaking to reps is an underutilized privilege and described the boot camp as a wake-up call that was influential to her Common Application process. 

“To be honest, I never face a challenge when getting the things I need,” Lkhagvasuren said. “If I really needed something, I know who I would email.”