By Staff
Feb. 1, 2023: Aaron Kind has a name that perfectly suits his calm and kind disposition and his job responsibilities as Director of Counseling Services at the Bronxville School.
Aaron grew up in Boca Raton, Florida and graduated from the University of Florida. While in college, Aaron became “very interested in people and how they think and work” and studied sociology and psychology.
Upon graduation, he applied to both “Teach for America '' and graduate school in counseling. He decided that being in the counseling department of a school would give him the best opportunity to “effect positive change in a student's life” so he went to Fordham University where he earned a master's in education.
Upon graduation from Fordham, Aaron went to work in the Counseling Department of the Bronx High School of Science where he had the opportunity to work with students from many different cultures and learned a great deal.
He joined the Bronxville School Counseling Department in 2016 and was made Director of the Department in 2020. In this role, Aaron works one-on-one with students in grades 9-12 offering students and parents counseling services on all aspects of high school life - course selection, supporting student well-being, and of course college admissions counseling.
For example, he presents workshops to high school juniors about course planning and provides them with mock college applications. He also stays on top of trends in higher education, bringing the “best in class” ideas to Bronxville.
One area of particular interest to Aaron in recent years is how to effectively use technology to help students navigate the college process. As part of this Bronxville implemented Maia learning software and, thanks to funding from the Bronxville School Foundation, College Kickstart in 2022. Maia Learning is a college planning resource and College Kickstart helps students balance their college list.
Aaron also stays in touch with the elementary and middle school principals to be well informed about what’s happening in those schools. “We are constantly examining what’s working and looking to see how we can share and grow and build on each other's success.”
When asked if the college process has changed, Aaron says that, while a lot has stayed the same, one big change is that the number of applications to colleges is up dramatically because, with the common application, it’s easier to apply. International applicants are also up. As a result, colleges are accepting a lower percentage of candidates. “It’s much harder to get in today than 5 years ago.”
“Colleges are still looking at grades, scores and recommendations, so what you can control is the same,” says Aaron, ‘but the other parts you can’t control.” He further notes that “Bronxville students are still getting accepted to a great group of schools.”
In describing what he likes most about his job, Aaron says it's working with students and watching them “find their passion” and then “see that through to a great college choice. “
“Bronxville is competitive,” says Kind, “it’s important to help students stay true to themselves and steer clear of the noise and comparisons. You want each student to find courses, clubs, friends, and a college that are a good fit for them.” He also says it’s so great to see “hard work recognized and be rewarded. This is a lesson that carries through life.”
When not at school, Aaron loves spending time with his wife Laura, two boys ages 10 and 7, and his daughter, who will be a year next month. Aaron is also a huge sports fan and loves bringing the boys to their sports activities, including soccer, baseball, and football. Laura, an opera major in college and a marketing professional now, brings music into the house.
Above all, perhaps Aaron’s favorite activity in his day is family dinner. “It’s a great time to catch up on the day, listen, talk, laugh, and unwind.”
