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That's where Rhinebeck resident Ros Geuss comes in.
Geuss runs Fulfilling Futures, a college consulting firm that helps puts people on the right path to success.
"I like to focus on individuals and make sure they're successful," Geuss said. "I want to help them achieve their goals and aspirations."
The earlier kids start thinking about their future, the better, Geuss believes as it is important they get started on the right direction.
"It's important they work on who they are and what dreams they have for the future," Geuss said. "What do you love and what do you do naturally? For a lot of these people the career they may end up doing hasn't been invented."
Geuss believes it's important for kids to experience life skills firsthand and actually learn what careers involved.
"I want to get them away from their screens and gadgets," Geuss said. "I want them to get internships or do job shadowing. If they want to be a film producer, I want them to find out what the journey is like. I want them to get a realistic view, not just a Hollywood view."
Many students don't even know why they want to go to college in the first place, Geuss said.
"Why are you going?" Geuss said. "What do you want to achieve when you get there? Does the campus environment offer what you need? Will you be able to get a job within six months of graduation?"
Geuss has taken her career international, serving as the higher education and careers counselor at the International School of Luxembourg for almost 20 years, while also helping her three children find the right school. When she was returning to America, they settled in Rhinebeck after finding the right house.
"We were familiar with the area," Geuss, whose husband is from Kingston, said. "We love it here."
Geuss said parents need to make sure they remain very involved in their child's learning.
"Don't just look at their grades," Geuss said. "Find out what they are learning and how they are learning. Parents are their children's number one influencers. Start a dialogue with your children. Talk about your own work life."
For more information, visit www.fulfillingfutures.com
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