Thinking about life after high school can feel overwhelming—especially when it seems like everyone else already has it figured out. Fortunately, students at Fairfield Warde have a steady guide in the process: Ms. Montero, the College and Career Coordinator.
Her job goes far beyond helping students fill out college applications or plan their next steps. She’s here to remind them that they don’t have to navigate the journey alone.
She’s quick to push back on the idea that there’s one “right” path. “A big misconception is that everyone needs to choose the four-year college route,” she says. “I try to create a space where students who aren’t sure what comes next can feel comfortable. We can figure it out together.”
“I’m here for whatever the need is,” Montero says. Whether it’s job shadowing, résumé-building, exploring commun
ity college options, or applying for scholarships, her office is a hub for resources many students don’t even realize exist.
Each fall, she brings more than 250 representatives from colleges, universities, and technical schools to meet with students face-to-face.
But Montero’s work doesn’t stop at the traditional college route. She supports students through every kind of post-secondary path.
“It starts mid-September and runs through Thanksgiving,” she explains. “They come in to talk about their programs and answer any questions students might have.” These visits offer a glimpse of life beyond Warde—and help students begin to picture what their future could look like.
That mindset—curiosity over pressure—is central to her philosophy. “Even having an experience where you realize, ‘I definitely don’t want to do that,’ is valuable,” she says. “That tells you something about what might be right instead.”
Sometimes, she says, growth comes from simply staying open. “If you’re at someone’s graduation or visiting a new city, use it as an opportunity. Just being exposed to something new can open a door.”
When asked how underclassmen can begin preparing—especially when college still feels far off—Montero is clear:
“Your grades matter, of course, but I think it’s really important to build connections. Join clubs, try new things, talk to your teachers. Ask them about their journeys. You learn about yourself by learning from other people.”
At the heart of everything she does is a belief that students shouldn’t have to figure things out alone. Her office isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about creating a space where students feel safe asking the questions.
“You’re young,” she says. “You’re not supposed to have it all figured out. You just need to know that someone is here, and that you can come talk.”
Here at Warde, that someone is her.