As a parent I sometimes feel that our life is going so fast, we certainly won’t be able to get it all done. Approaching Clay’s junior year, we ran into Dr. Ellis, aka Ralph, at a wrestling tournament. He came to our home, described his services, and we were hooked. We had a plan of attack for our college decisions. Clay knew his interest. Ralph swooped into our lives, organized Clay, educated Clay and became an advisor.
From listening to other parents, the biggest thing I noted was that they were struggling with their kids to accomplish what we had done with Ralph – stress free. He researched the best schools. He coached Clay in interview techniques. He helped organize his activity resume. He helped brainstorm and proofread his thesis. Most importantly, I did not have one negative conversation with Clay about the college pursuit. He needed no nagging, no reminding and he got it done.
As we were leaving the University of Illinois, the head of the Architecture School shook Clay’s hand and said, “Clay, wherever you go, the school that gets you will be lucky. You are a well spoken young man, and it shows you know who you are and what you want. I am very impressed with you.” He was accepted at every school he applied to (Ohio State, Virginia Tech, Penn State, Drexel University, University of Illinois, Southern Illinois University). I know Clay works hard, but I also know that the colleges were sold on him because of the tips and learning that Ralph bestowed on Clay. Ralph took my lump of coal and processed him into the diamond that we all knew was there. Congratulations Clay and congratulations Ralph. Two kids yet to go – so stay in business till 2015.