Testimonials
Former Student, SEHS
Christian G. (CSUN ‘26)
“My experience with David An has been amazing. He has opened my eyes not just through my senior year of high school but also the bigger picture, which is the real world out there. He did an amazing job sharing and giving me information about many opportunities such as colleges, working, and group talks. He has done more than just a college counselor at my school I appreciate him for all the things he has done for my peers and myself he has helped me and will help me become the man I intend to be in the future.”
Former Student, BHS
Abby S. (Barnard ‘24)
“Mr. An’s guidance in the college application process was completely comprehensive. I entered into the process with no idea how to begin and he helped me from start to finish: from teaching me how to write the UC PIQs, filling out FAFSA and the CSS profile alongside me, editing my activity summary, helping me reach out to teacher for letters of recommendation, and applying for scholarships. I truly cannot imagine how I would have gotten the acceptances I did, without his support.”
Former Student, BHS
Gunner L. (USC ‘25)
“David An is someone who has never backed down from going the extra mile to help someone out. Throughout my experiences with him he has been an empathetic and knowledgeable guide that connects with people on both a personal and professional level. Finding someone who knows how to balance the fine line between these two is rare, and David An does it masterfully. He has been a motivator, supporter, mentor, and a true friend, and anyone who has the pleasure of interacting with him will experience this same treatment.”
Former Student, SEHS
Magaly A. (Stanford ‘26)
"My experience with David An as my counselor could never fully be put into words because of how amazing and supportive he was. A core moment I have that plays in my head almost everyday is the day April 1st. Which was the day after Ivy day. That day I spent my time at the college center waiting to open my letters with Mr. An from the colleges only to receive 4 rejections. My heart broke and the only thing I wanted to do was cry. Though with his support and kind words, I searched for positive emotions and thought about the acceptances I had prior. That same day my dream school, Stanford, released their decisions. I prepared myself for another rejection since I had gotten deferred earlier in the year. This time I opened the letter by myself to see “Congratulations” and I fell to the ground in tears. After telling my family the first person I messaged was Mr. An. In only one day I experienced a rollercoaster of emotions and Mr. An was there for me through every step. David An is not only an amazing college counselor who pushes every student to do their best and apply to many schools but a counselor who will support any student who may be struggling. I am so grateful to have had Mr. An as my counselor, he made my senior year the most memorable."
Former Student, SEHS
Truby H. (SCLU ‘26)
“Mr. An is a counselor that actually cares about his students past academics and what his job description might state that he should do. He cares about the well being, mental health, and the overall wellness of each students he interacts with. Many times he’s made my day by just asking if I’m okay or if I need anything on a day I felt down. He started a mens group which I had learned a lot from, he is easy to talk to, understanding and is the best teacher/counselor I have ever had! “
Former Co-Worker, SEHS
Ramon A. (Teacher/Coach)
“David has a personality that connects with anyone that is looking for someone to care. Working alongside David was an experience unlike any other, for someone to be so selfless and willing to pour their soul into every action is impressive but also needed for children and young adults to feel empowered. Every student that has the pleasure of even talking to David feeling the power to enact change in whatever avenue they take, and it isn’t just a review but a testament to the person and heart that David takes into every action. “
Former Student, BHS
Daijah C. (UC Davis ‘24)
“…he works very hard to promote comfortability across a wide range of diverse students…I personally am a first generation student who did not receive much help from family as the college process has changed over time and was difficult for me to understand. Despite this, Mr.An sat down and explained my options and encouraged me to see no goal as too high…I am studying at a UC. This is something I never thought would be possible for me coming out of high school. ”
“Mr. An has been of great assistance with helping my son complete his application process to college. Not only has he explained the process in terms my son and myself could understand, he also made sure that we were aware of dates leading up to deadlines…Students were exposed to a multitude of colleges, universities, trade schools, and community colleges throughout the school year. Scholarship opportunities were communicated all year and as the FASA form deadline neared, he made sure students were able to get them completed. He was generous with his time even after school hours on the weekends as well. What is also ,I believe most important, is that he showed my son that he believed in his potential to go to college and succeed. He takes time to meet the students where they are and form a bond of trust and respect. That is something that is rare and greatly powerful. As a parent, I can not express how thankful I am to have had Mr. An as my son's college counselor and Peer Counsel Teacher.”
-Cynthia H (Parent)
“"David An is the kindest most caring person I’ve ever met and the best counselor I’ve had to this day. I worked with Mr. An during my high school senior year (2019). I was terrified and had no idea what I was doing going into the college application process, but something Mr. An told me that I still apply to any challenging/intimidating situation I deal with to this day is “you have to fall in love with every step in the process, don’t only focus on the outcome.” He played a tremendous part in the success of my college process. There were various times where he took the time out of his day, including coming in to school on Saturdays, to work with me one-on-one and reread my essays while also guiding me through all of my applications. I’m truly grateful for everything Mr. An has done for my peers and I. I’m currently going into my senior year at UC Berkeley and I couldn’t have done it without the guidance of Mr. An. "
-Hannah M. (UC Berkeley ‘23)
“David is the best counselor. My daughter got accepted to many of the most competitive colleges she applied to - IVY league (Yale) , Caltech, Berkeley etc and she couldn't have done this without David's support. We talked to many counselors before being referred to David and were surprised by how pushy and money oriented they all were. Most of them didn't look at what we or the student wanted etc. David was referred to us by a family friend. He built a bond with our daughter by listening to what she wanted to achieve, came up with a strategy of how best he could help. He was always upfront, no pressure and we always knew that he cared about the well being of our daughter. He became part of the team and helped her achieve her goals.... I would absolutely recommend David for anybody looking for a no pressure, counselor.”
-Jagdeep S. (Parent)