Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Tamika Stevenson.
Tamika, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
As a first-generation college student, I always dreamed of attending college and creating opportunities for others to follow in my footsteps. I graduated top of my high school class but was unaware of steps to apply or pay for college. After getting accepted to The University of Texas at Austin on a full-ride academic scholarship and graduating with a Doctorate in Higher Education, doors opened, which awarded me lifetime connections, friendships, and a chance to lead and mentor students from across the nation.
After becoming an Educator, I realized the importance of being a support system for students who needed guidance toward making a decision to further their education. I then became an AVID teacher, where I worked with seniors that focused on college preparation and decision making. From college tours, financial aid nights, SAT/ACT preparation, and college fairs I grew a passion for this high area demand. I eventually got a promotion and became the AVID District Director, where my role went from serving students at one campus to an entire district of over 8,000 students and 400+ seniors.
It was then I realized after guidance from many that it was time for me to start my own college consulting business. I invested in Reality Ahead College Consulting, where I currently work with students across the nation. My clients are from various backgrounds where families are reaching out to support their scholar by getting them support with college decision making. The business has been so rewarding for me as I see students research and get accepted into the college of their dreams! Reality Ahead’s philosophy is “where college dreams become a reality.”
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The business plan and legal documents have been difficult for me. I’ve reached out to some business partners and friends that have their own businesses to get support. Additionally, I purchased a book called Shark Tank Jump Start your business, which has been very helpful.
Most importantly, I’ve joined organizations such as TACAC, Texas Association of College Admission for Counselors, and enrolled in the University of California-Irvine program for Independent Educational Consultants to further my knowledge in the field. It is difficult to start a business but there are a plethora of resources out there to support the journey.
Please tell us about Reality Ahead College Consulting.
Reality Ahead College consulting was designed to help families across the world understand key factors in starting the college admissions process. We focus on each student individually to assess his or her strengths, abilities, and goals. Our personalized services include: Developing a college planning timeline, financial aid awareness, college admission essay support, and helping students choose the “best fit” college.
As a company, we take pride in our ability to connect families through providing a very affordable at ease process that helps guides students through determining the best path. Reality Ahead connects with students through our direct experience as educators and academic advisors who understand and values each student’s needs and interests. We have served in various roles in higher education and have over 20 years of service and knowledge where we have resources to help students and families navigate an increasingly complex college application process. Reality Ahead looks at the whole student, providing an individualized experience for each student’s journey.
What were you like growing up?
Family has always been a priority for me, even as a child. As the youngest child of two kids, I exuded an extrovert personality. I was highly involved in school activities and studied hard to maintain a high GPA. I spoke in oratorical contests and in college, became the Black Miss University of Texas at Austin through a competitive process provided by the fraternity Kappa Alpha Psi.
I have always been involved in the community and spent most of my life serving in organizations that supported pushing causes that impacted support for low-income neighborhoods. I participated in Girls, Inc., Boys and Girls Club of Greater Dallas, The Big Brother/Big Sister program, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, and other organizations that pushed and instilled the value to develop and grow. My parents, sister, and son are my strong force who constantly reminds me that greatness lies within and my ninety-year-old grandmother reminds me daily of the importance of prayer and supports me without hesitation.
My teachers and friends would describe me as an outgoing educated woman who has remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. I’ve always been fascinated with traveling and writing, so as a junior in high school I won an essay contest that awarded me the opportunity to be an Israeli American exchange student where I spent time living in Israel exploring history, faith and religion.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tamikastevenson.com
- Phone: 2149973497
- Email: Tamikastevenson@att.net
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realityahead
- Twitter: @AVIDTamika
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/reality-ahead-college-consulting-dallas
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