From “WTF” to “WF”: How I Turn College Chaos into Calm for Families

Let's be honest—if you’re a parent of a teenager, there have been times you’ve said to yourself, “What the F!” (I’m guessing that’s not always because they’re taking too long to pick a major!) The college application process can be a dizzying maze of deadlines, expectations, and a landscape that feels more like a mythical quest than a school application. It's normal to feel overwhelmed. That’s where I come in. Welcome to WF—WayForward College Consulting, where I’m here to be the middle “t” that bridges the “What the F!” to something far more manageable.

Picture it: You’re on a college tour, your teenager is half-asleep in the back, and you’re doing mental gymnastics over merit scholarships, majors, and campus size. Admissions officers are spouting buzzwords like "holistic review," you’re still wondering if your child even knows where they left their phone, or will they be able to do their own laundry in college?. You think to yourself: What the F… have we gotten ourselves into?

But, at WF, I get it—because I’m not just any college consultant. I bring over 17 years of experience as a counselor in mental health, social-emotional support, and college prep. I understand that behind every “What the F!” moment, there’s a worried parent, a hopeful student, and an ocean of emotions. I don’t just help you check application boxes; I help your family stay balanced, focused, and hopeful through the journey.

So, let me be the middle “t” in your WF. As your guide and bridge builder, my job is to turn those WTF moments into WF (WayForward) moments where everything finally makes sense. Together, we’ll find joy, clarity, and even a little peace in this crazy adventure, so your family’s journey through high school doesn’t end in stress—but in pride, growth, and a newfound sense of way forward.

Your WF partner, 

Stefanie