When it comes to new OVS college counselor Laura Boismenue, one can expect two things: a large and ever-present smile, and a conversation about college and life after high school.
Coming directly from the position of admissions counselor at Cal Lutheran University, Ms. Boismenue now lives in the girls’ dorm. She splits her time between being a resident counselor and a college counselor.
For Ms. Boismenue, college has always been a fascination.
“College can be such a life changing experience,” she said. “Its exciting to see what your first step as an adult will be.”
Ms. Boismenue was born in the small rural town of Mukwonago, Wisconsin. Her first encounter with college life was when she visited her sister at University of Wisconsin at La Crosse.
The visit was so much more different and exciting than anything she had ever expected that Ms. Boismenue knew that college was going to play a major role in her life.
She left Wisconsin to attend Bethel University in St. Paul Minnesota. While there, she began to pursue her interest in marriage and family therapy.
An interest of the new and exciting followed Ms. Boismenue to college. During her time at Bethel University, Ms. Boismenue studied abroad three times: once in Antigua, Guatemala, another time in the Dominican Republic, and finally in London, England.
“I always want to try something new,” Ms. Boismenue said. “It is a real growing experience to be placed somewhere new.”
After several years at Bethel University, Ms. Boismenue worked as a study abroad advisor at Biola University in La Mirada, California.
While at Biola University, a job as assistant admission director at Cal Lutheran opened up. Following her interest in working with applicants and their families, Ms. Boismenue applied for, and got the job.
“I went in not really knowing what to expect,” Ms. Boismenue recounted about her job at California Lutheran.
However, the new job proved to be another way for Ms. Boismenue to contribute to and enjoy the unique experience college offers. While working at Cal Lutheran, Ms. Boismenue obtained her masters in marriage and family therapy.
Shortly thereafter, another job opened up – this time at Ojai Valley School.
After former OVS teacher/college counselor/dean of faculty Dave Edwards left to pursue other interests, the position of college counselor became available.
When Ms. Boismenue applied of the job as college counselor at OVS, Dean of Faculty Laurel Colborn knew that she would be a good fit.
“Ms. Boismenue will be able to take her admissions experience and put it onto the student and family side,” Mrs. Colborn said.
One month into her new job at OVS, Ms. Boismenue knows that counseling is what she loves to do.
“Its a great crossroads between counseling and academics,” Ms. Boismenue said. “This is the spot in a student’s life where hope and fear collide.”
By Jack Beverly, Class of 2013