Testimonials
What I love most about my work is making a difference. It is so satisfying to hear a student and/or parent give feedback on how my services helped them overcome an academic challenge or facilitate the college selection process.
For example, hearing a parent say, “For years, my knee jerk reaction to every poor test grade was “Did you study?” It never occurred to me to ask my son, “Do you know how to study effectively?” Iris helped both my son and me to take a different approach.”
Another example is when a student once said to me, “ I had no idea how to even begin the college search, let alone how to get organized. Iris de-stressed me and my mom about the entire process.”
That kind of feedback is so rewarding. Knowing that I helped someone meet an academic challenge, achieve their goals and find personal success.
Here is what others have said:
“Your expertise is just what I have been searching for! I have asked so many teachers, counselors, etc…and no one could guide us to what I knew deep in my heart that our daughter needed. Sometimes you know your child better than they know themselves….thanks for listening to us and connecting with her! In just the few sessions that you’ve worked with her, we have already seen improvements with her test scores! and she is gaining confidence! I can’t thank you enough! in fact, she just texted me to tell me she got a 100% on her test today! She said she prepared with you!! Again, thanks for what you are doing! It seems like magic!!”
“I wanted you to know that both of my kids did a great job on their last report card – we were particularly excited that our son earned an A in Honors English. (He earned a 100 on his English final!) We think talking through their challenges with you was a huge help and we are very, very grateful. I think the time you spent with our daughter played an important role too. For the first time she is ready to embrace some new athletic opportunities and we are glad to see her venture out of her comfort zone. ”
“Thank you again for everything and Iris absolutely, totally, and completely changed my life. When my mom first recommended I schedule an appointment with Iris, I was doubtful at first. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, and after almost three years of college, I thought I was a lost cause and was destined to a career I didn’t love. During our first meeting Iris was able to read me like a book. After I talked and talked and talked (I love to talk) about my life and experiences, she was able tell me right away, “Cassie, it sounds like you want to help people”. With that, we set our sites on Washington, DC-hub of all non-profits.”
“At first, I didn’t think I was qualified enough to nail an internship with a non-profit in DC, but Iris showed me that I was! I feel so fortunate to have had Iris to help me with finding my way in the grown-up world. With her help of fine-tuning my resume and constructing a masterpiece of a cover letter, I have now secured my dream internship in Washington, DC this summer with Fabretto’s Children Foundation. I cannot wait to see what the summer holds and I can honestly say I owe it all to Iris for unveiling opportunities I had never sought out before.”
“I always thought memorizing definitions, facts and dates was the only way to study for a test. I was trying to put together pieces of a puzzle when I had no clue what the larger picture was about. Iris showed me a different way of thinking about the information we were studying.Iris used my personal learning style to show me a technique that made sense in my head rather than just a generic way of studying given to everyone. The one on-one- time was SUPER helpful.”
“For years, my knee-jerk reaction to every test was “Did you study?” It never occurred to me to ask my son, “Do you know how to study effectively?” Iris helped both my son and me to take a different approach.”
“I was a computer programming major having serious second thoughts about whether this was the right course for me. I had no idea how to decide. Thanks to Iris, I’m clear about the questions I need answered and I have a detailed plan, complete with flowchart. Such a relief!”
“As an older student, I was reasonably sure I could no longer just memorize things the way I needed to in order to get A’s. In such a short time Iris showed me exactly what was missing from the way I had been studying. The light bulb went on immediately.”
“I had no idea how to even begin the college search, let alone how to get organized. Iris de-stressed me and my mom about the entire process. Not sure what would have happened if we hadn’t consulted her.”
“I thought I knew what I was doing in applying to college. Iris recommended that I consider applying to a school I hadn’t seriously considered because I thought it was out of reach. She insisted it was a good fit. Boy, was she right.”
“I started worrying about the college essay when I was in sixth grade. When the time finally came, I was so anxious I couldn’t even begin. Iris was patient in brainstorming ideas and helping me find my story. She made all the difference in my success.”
“My son hit some roadblocks in trying to figure out which college was best for him. Ms. Karas analyzed his natural competencies and skills and helped him see his way forward in a complex world. He is now excited about his future.”
“Iris absolutely, totally, and completely changed my life. When my mom first recommended I schedule an appointment with Iris, I was doubtful at first. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, and after almost three years of college, I thought I was a lost cause and was destined to a career I didn’t love.During our first meeting Iris was able to read me like a book. After I talked and talked and talked (I love to talk) about my life and experiences, she was able tell me right away, “Cassie, it sounds like you want to help people”. With that, we set our sites on Washington, DC-hub of all non-profits. At first, I didn’t think I was qualified enough to nail an internship with a non-profit in DC, but Iris showed me I am! I feel so fortunate to have had Iris to help me with finding my way in the grown-up world. With her help of fine-tuning my resume and constructing a master piece of a cover letter, I have now secured my dream internship in Washington, DC this summer with Fabretto’s Children Foundation. I cannot wait to see what the summer holds and I can honestly say I owe it all to Iris for unveiling opportunities I had never sought out before.”