Fear and Uncertainty

Student fear and uncertainty were among the most common challenges described. Members shared stories of students altering college plans, limiting their participation in school activities, avoiding public spaces, or shifting their focus away from postsecondary planning due to concerns about their own safety or the well-being of their families.

“There are people afraid for their lives, and I’m here printing transcripts.” – College Counseling Professional, Private Secondary School

“Students let us know they were doing school online, weren’t leaving home, and college wasn’t on their mind.” – Admission Professional, Private Four-Year Institution

“We had a student who was afraid to come to school for three weeks during Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis–Saint Paul, despite being a U.S. citizen.” – School Counselor, Public Secondary School

Impact on College Access

Many members described how uncertainty influenced students’ educational decisions. College choice, enrollment decisions, campus engagement, and participation in school activities were all affected as students weighed concerns about family stability, safety, and future opportunities.

“I have had two students reach out and tell me specifically that they no longer feel comfortable being more than an hour away from their parents in this political climate.” – Admission Professional, Public Four-Year Institution

“One student began the housing application process but ultimately abandoned plans to live on campus because they no longer felt comfortable leaving home.” – College Admission Professional, Public Four-Year Institution

“We had to quickly shift our focus from helping our seniors submit those final college applications and helping our juniors with ACT prep to how to support them when they were under attack.” – College Access Professional, Community-Based Organization

Resilience

Despite significant challenges, members also shared stories of students, educators, and communities coming together to support one another. These examples highlight the compassion, leadership, and resilience demonstrated by students and professionals across Minnesota.

“Our students showed up in beautiful ways for our community.” – College Counseling Professional, Private Secondary School

“One group coordinated a diaper drive to get baby supplies to families sheltering in place. Another organized a food drive. Another raised money for local nonprofits helping affected families.” – College Counseling Professional, Private Secondary School

“Students found ways to support one another and their communities, whether through fundraising efforts, collecting supplies, or checking in on classmates and families who were struggling.” – School Counselor, Public Secondary School

Supporting Students

Members consistently described taking on expanded roles as advocates, problem-solvers, and sources of stability for students and families. In many cases, conversations shifted from admissions and enrollment to addressing immediate concerns related to safety, mental health, and family well-being.

“I decided to stay in the building and skip lunch for three months straight so this student would feel more secure.” – Admission Professional, Private Four-Year Institution

“How do I support my student when their guardian was taken?” – College Access Professional, Community-Based Organization

“There is a humbling nature when students need to witness that their campus can’t protect them. – Admission Professional, Private Four-Year Institution

“We had to pause internships and shift to virtual learning during Operation Metro Surge. Students were confused, stressed, scared, and unable to focus on schoolwork.” – School Counselor, Public Secondary School

Final Observation

At their core, these stories are about students. They highlight the barriers many students and families are navigating, but they also reflect the commitment of NACAC members who continue to show up every day as advocates, advisors, and trusted sources of support. While the circumstances may differ, the goal remains the same: helping students identify and pursue pathways that align with their aspirations and goals.

The stories and reflections shared on this page represent the experiences of individual NACAC members and have been edited for length and clarity where appropriate.