For many students, the college process is one of the most daunting parts of high school. Applications, deadlines, essays, standardized tests and the ever-present uncertainty of the future can create stress and anxiety. But inside Fieldston’s college office, there is a different atmosphere of laughter, energy and constant support. That is exactly how Akosua Yeboah, the head of the office, wants it to be.
Since 2019, Yeboah has led Fieldston’s college office, drawing on years of experience in undergraduate admissions and college counseling. She is dedicated to not only guiding students through the college admissions process but also ensuring they leave with a stronger sense of self.
Yeboah’s journey to Fieldston began long before she was hired. Since 2011, she has become a familiar face on campus, visiting as a college representative and getting to know the school and its students. “Every time I came to Fieldston, they wouldn’t let me leave,” she recalls with a laugh. “I’d always end up in the art studio, having lunch and really getting to know the school as a whole.” She developed close friendships with the staff, and when the opportunity arose to join the team, it felt like a natural next step.
When Yeboah was in high school, college counseling felt transactional – focused on sending documents rather than guidance. That experience helped guide her toward a more meaningful approach to supporting students in their college journeys. “I always knew I wanted to work in education,” she explains. “When I discovered that I could do this work.. actually support students… I knew I wanted to be a college counselor.”
For Yeboah, the job is about helping students understand who they are, what they want and how to navigate uncertainty. “I hope my students come out of this process with a strong sense of self,” she explains. “Having that foundation will help them weather any storm in life.”
A typical day for Yeboah does not exist. While much of her time is spent meeting with students and parents, researching admissions trends and coordinating office initiatives, she also plays a key role in shaping Fieldston’s broader college readiness programming. “I counsel students, but I also counsel the associate directors,” she explains. “I help set the calendar for what we do every month, plan events and oversee how our office functions.” Beyond that, she is also part of Fieldston’s high school leadership team, sitting on administrative councils and working closely with other departments. However, her favorite part of the job remains the direct work with students: “The counseling is what matters most to me. That’s what I love doing.”
She encourages students to keep a journal throughout high school and college, tracking their growth and evolving aspirations. “So many students start out thinking they’re going to do one thing, only to discover something completely different along the way,” she notes. Additionally, Yeboah encourages students to focus on what excites them rather than chasing an idealized version of success. She emphasizes that there is no single path to a fulfilling college experience.
Outside of work, music remains her first love – she plays piano and teaches herself bass. She also stays active through yoga, dance and boxing, though she jokingly adds, “I don’t want to get hit in the face anymore.” Between all her activities, she spends nearly ten hours a week staying active. “If I’m home, it’s usually just to sleep,” she laughs.
Yeboah also credits her personal growth to her mentors. From former colleague Jameel Freeman to her mother and cousin, she has been shaped by people who taught her not only how to support others but also how to take care of herself. “I’ve been lucky to have people who remind me to bet on myself and go after what I believe in.”
As students prepare for this process, Yeboah wants them to know one thing: “You are all winners, and you’re going to win at this process too.” She doesn’t believe in pressuring students to produce specific results. Instead, she hopes they emerge from the process with a clearer sense of self. “I hope my students learn who they are as authentically as possible. Knowing yourself is what will carry [them] through the storms of life.”
Whether through counseling, leading or simply creating a space where students feel heard, Yeboah is dedicated to ensuring each student finds their path. As someone who has spent years helping students discover their voices, she has a simple piece of advice: “Leave some questions unanswered. You’re not supposed to know everything yet.”
