Who I Am and What I Do
I understand that each student has different gifts. I seek to pull them out, highlight them, and match them to programs in colleges and universities across the country. Together we will choose schools that will meet students educational needs, wants and desires and that makes for happy students and parents.
I believe who I am makes me do what I do.
I began advising over a decade ago when I was employed by the NYCDOE as an administrator to a group of education advocates. Education and educational equity have always been my passion. It was there I saw a significant gap in the counselor-to-student ratio in our high school. I also became keenly aware that while students were getting into college many were not staying. Since I’ve always loved education I decided to take a Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration in an effort to better understand and explore best practices in advising. I attended the Austin W. Marxe School of Public and International Affairs, Baruch College, CUNY. Graduate school was truly a blessing to me. I learned much of what I needed to advise and gained valuable experience thereafter. I was able to help so many students and expand my educational advocacy beyond 12th grade. Soon I began focusing on foster children aging out of the system and first generation college students. Fast forward to the present and that demographic now makes up the time I donate to my non-profit, Fret Not.
I believe that the years spent at a college or university should be productive and peaceful as well as fun and full of intellectual growth, including an understanding of life outside of academe. I believe that academic advising is much deeper than choosing a college or setting a schedule. I look at it as an exploration of potential knowledge that has an impactful, life-lasting affect and I treat it a such. Nothing brings me more joy than seeing students achieve their academic dreams.
We can all succeed!
Mission Statement
To engage and grow the minds of young intellectuals while encouraging and assisting them in their walk through academe. To produce happy, successful graduates by implementing healthy strategic goals throughout their career in higher education.
That’s not only my mission statement; it’s my promise.
What People Say
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”
Nelson Mandela
“What do you mean I’m not graduating in June? I thought I had all my credits!”
Random College Student
“Navigating the Seven Seas is sometimes easier than navigating the college process. Oftentimes we have to change course. I’m your life jacket.”
Patricia J. Safina
Patricia J. Safina, M.S.Ed 