Helping Struggling Students Achieve Success

Some students heading to college may experience overwhelming challenges, but Ronni Aronow, a college transition consultant, says she can help. A former elementary school teacher with a Masters in special education, Aronow encourages high school and college students to achieve their goals through her company Port Washington-based Supporting Success, LLC. And while many of the students she assists have attended such nearby schools as Farmingdale State College, Hofstra University and Nassau Community College, Aronow says that thanks to Skype, she has also worked with students as far away as Michigan and Massachusetts. Patch caught up with Aronow to learn more. 

The niche: Aronow says there are a lot “brilliant kids and adults” going to college, but withdrawing because “they couldn’t hold it together.” They may struggle with organization, time management and planning. Other challenges include advocating for themselves and stress management. “They don’t know to get counseling,” she notes, and “end up isolating themselves.” Though Aronow is often contacted after students withdraw from their first semester, she also enjoys working with high school students to help them in the college planning stages or to find other programs to achieve the best possible results.

What she does: For high school students, Aronow’s services include helping them understand any disabilities, and improving social and communication skills so students can better connect with teachers and peers. When it comes to transition planning, Aronow helps students identify goals, strengths and concerns and also assists with researching colleges and additional programs, and more. While working with college students, Aronow’s services include helping them adjust to their new environments, problem-solve, and advocate for themselves. 

Her philosophy: “Each kid is so different,” Aronow points out. “Some are high functioning and need help getting stronger in certain areas.” That’s why Aronow offers individualized support. 

Biggest challenges: “The hardest part is helping the parents back away so I can become the transition person,” Aronow says, adding that always she meets with both parents and student first to explain the process.

Looking ahead: Aronow now sets a side one day a week to visit colleges and universities in the region so she can advise parents which schools offer comprehensive programs. “More and more programs are becoming available,” she says. 

To learn more, contact: Ronni Aronow; Supporting Success

ronni@supporting-success.com
www.supporting-success.com
516.510.3409
Office Hours in New York City and Port Washington