This year, Rachael Dugo joined the Upper Division faculty as a college counselor and an academic dean for grades 11 and 12. She earned both her B.S. in Elementary Education and her M.A. in Professional Communication from the University of Tampa.
Dugo worked in the admissions office at the University of Tampa and Columbia University’s Teachers College, but she was eager to work with high school students. “I think high school is a really great age range, and I love working with that age. So it’s always been a goal of mine to work in a college counseling office in a high school,” said Dugo. She stated that it is very rewarding to help students through their stressful application processes and see where they all end up.
Dugo was inspired to work in higher education after spending time during her childhood observing her mother, who also worked on a college campus. “She has always been someone I looked up to…and she really helped me find what I love to do,” Dugo said.
Dugo was drawn to Berkeley because of its special community and dedicated faculty. “It’s just a community that always wants to learn, which is exactly how I am,” said Dugo.
Having previously worked as an admissions officer on the other side of the desk, Dugo offers a unique perspective to high schoolers that Berkeley students should take advantage of. She stated that she still reads essays from the eyes of an admissions officer, and she can give students an extra opinion, or the “inside scoop,” about what colleges may or may not be looking for.
Outside of school, Dugo enjoys reading, taking walks, going to the beach and trying out new workout classes. Her favorite movie of all time is Matilda, and she enjoys rewatching Gossip Girl in her free time.
When asked about her advice for students going through the college application process, Dugo urged current seniors to balance their academics with their social lives and not to take things too seriously. “Trust in yourself that things will always work out and still have fun along the way,” Dugo said.
