Benito’s Story
I was the first in my family to graduate from college, a milestone that defined my understanding of student ownership and the weight of thoughtful life decisions. After earning my BA in Cultural Anthropology from Harvard in 2010, I began a career that has spanned nearly two decades in student development.
Along the way, I worked in Harvard admissions, spent time at Google, and have advised students and families across more than 45 countries. Those experiences gave me a close view of both how selective institutions evaluate applicants and how differently students define success across cultures, communities, and family systems.
My Mexican and Japanese heritage, together with years of living and working across cultures, deeply informs my approach. I see students not simply as applicants, but as young adults learning how to make consequential decisions with increasing independence.
My advising is built around that principle. I help students develop judgment, direction, and a coherent sense of self, then translate that into strong academic choices, thoughtful college strategy, and authentic applications. The goal is not simply admission to a particular institution, but helping students become capable of navigating what comes next.
Professional Background
I bring 18 years of professional experience across advising, admissions-related work, teaching, tutoring, and student development. Throughout my career, I have advised students internationally and regularly speak with schools and parent communities to foster a deeper understanding of the educational journey.
I also served as a Harvard alumni interviewer for more than a decade. These varied roles, from advising families globally to engaging with prospective university students, all tie back to my core mission: helping students build the judgment and independence necessary to navigate their own decision-making process with confidence.
If you'd like to discuss advising or professional speaking, let's connect.