Valerie Pierce

Valerie Pierce, M.Ed, is a counselor in a Title 1 high school in the Cypress Fairbanks School District and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), in Texas. As a first generation college graduate herself, she is committed to helping students fromall backgrounds prepare for college and/or post secondary career programs. Over the last fifteen years, through city wide community parent and student workshops, nonprofit online and in person seminars and through her professional school counseling responsibilities, Valerie has helped thousands of first generation and traditional students streamline the seemingly daunting process of academic planning, finding resources and applying to college. The inspiration for her book began with the lists that Valerie originally created to prepare her own daughter for college. These lists were continually updated for other students she counseled, and then again for her son many years later. Her savvy, insightful advice and committment to the success of these young people is reflected in the comprehensive, yet easy to follow timeline the book provides. Valerie continues to be passionate about sharing her knowledge and continues to help high school students achieve their educational goals.