In August, the Fieldston News sat down with Jameel Freeman, the newest addition to the college department, and learned more about his background as well as his experience in the field.
Photo courtesy of Jessica Murphy.
Fieldston News: First of all, welcome to Fieldston! What have you been doing in preparation for your first year here?
Jameel Freeman: This summer has been quite eventful! I officially transitioned from Princeton University to Fieldston on July 1. From there, my wife and I moved to our new apartment, I visited over 15 colleges and universities, and I read up on Fieldston and my future students. I ended my summer with our annual family vacation to Martha’s Vineyard. My wife and I were married on the Vineyard so every trip is a special occasion for us. I’m an avid fan of fitness and powerlifting so I spent any remaining spare time in the gym.
FN: Where did you go to high school and what was your experience like? Was it similar to Fieldston?
JF: I went to high school in a small town in southeastern North Carolina. My high school was pretty much the opposite of Fieldston as a small, rural, public school. There was literally a farm with cows, corn, tobacco and cotton directly across the street. We could have walked across the street and had class on Colonial or Southern US History! It could have been NC’s own humble version of City Semester! My high school experience was pretty normal for the most part. I was involved in athletics, band and musical theater, and various other school organizations. I was the student who was ready for college in ninth grade, eager to enter into a more diverse community. I also worked part-time at a seafood restaurant where I was quickly promoted from bussing tables to frying hushpuppies and french fries, to finally frying shrimp and fish. While I was quite proud of my newfound culinary strengths, my family did not appreciate the fact that they could smell me from the driveway when I came home from work.
FN: When you were in high school, what did you think your profession would be?
JF: When I was in high school I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life – students who are undecided will probably hear me say “that is OK” numerous times! From a surgeon to political analyst, like a Fast and Furious movie I had a new one every week. Ironically, my mentors from high school and college all predicted that I would end up in the field of education. I am very happy they were right.
FN: Where else have you worked in college admissions?
JF: I have worked in graduate and undergraduate admissions for almost 14 years. I started my career in graduate admissions at UNC-Chapel Hill, my alma mater. I have worked in undergraduate admissions at Bentley University, Johns Hopkins University and most recently, Princeton University. I credit UNC and my mentors there for leading me into the field of higher education. It is one of the many reasons I am so proud to be an alumnus.
FN: If you did not work in college admissions, what would your profession be?
JF: If I did not work in college counseling and admissions, I would most likely be a counselor or teacher for a community based organization focusing on first generation and/or low-income students. Throughout my career, the issues of educational access and the widening achievement gap have always been important to me. On a side note, if the field of education did not work out, I would probably be a fashion editor or journalist, or own my own men’s clothing boutique. I sincerely appreciate the world of fashion – now there’s a fun fact for everyone!
FN: What are you most looking forward to this year?
JF: I’m looking forward to working with students again. In undergraduate admissions, the higher you go the further you become from the very people you entered the field to work with. I’m excited to help students navigate not only college admissions but life in general.
FN: What is your favorite part of Fieldston so far, although the year has not actually started?
JF: My favorite part of Fieldston so far has been the people. From students to faculty to parents, everyone is friendly, dedicated and helpful. It’s easy to see the strong sense of community here, it felt like I was instantly inducted into the “Fieldston Family” (my apologies if someone has trademarked that phrase!).
FN: Because you’ve graduated high school and are a part of the college admissions department, do you have any words of advice for the seniors and juniors this year?
JF: My advice for seniors and juniors is to relax and try and enjoy the process. It is certainly stressful at times and there can be disappointment along the way. The journey is what matters; the journey is what defines you. As cliché as it sounds, I think you will all learn more about yourselves than you ever thought you would, just by filling out an application.
FN: Do you have anything that you would like to say to the school?
JF: I am appreciative of the opportunity to work with such a talented group of students, faculty and staff, and parents. Now let’s make it a great year!
