I'm Joana, a first-generation college graduate and current law student at Loyola University Chicago School of Law. I hold dual BAs in Political Science and Public Policy from the University of Chicago, and I’ll be joining a top BigLaw firm next summer.

As a former low-income student and immigrant from Albania, I understand how transformative education can be and how overwhelming the college application process often feels, especially for first-gen students. I’m multilingual, (fluent in Albanian), and I bring a culturally informed and deeply empathetic lens to every student I work with.

Before college, I graduated from an International Baccalaureate (IB) school in Michigan, and I’m intimately familiar with the IB curriculum, its rigorous expectations, and how students can strategically emphasize their strengths (from the Extended Essay to CAS hours!) in their college applications.

Over the past seven years, I’ve helped students through CollegeVine and private coaching with everything from Common App personal statements to supplemental essays, pre-law advising, and narrative development. My students have gone on to earn admission to their top-choice colleges, including Ivy League, T20, and selective liberal arts schools.

My approach is structured, reflective, and deeply personal. I know how hard it is to pour your whole story onto the page, which is why I help students transform overwhelming ideas into a clear, authentic narrative that reflects who they are and what they value.

Every student has a story worth telling. My job is to ask the right questions, build trust, and help you shape your story into something powerful. Whether you’re applying to college or a competitive scholarship program, I’ll help you connect all parts of your application--academic interests, personal background, and extracurricular--into a cohesive and compelling brand.

I specialize in working with first-generation students, aspiring lawyers, and anyone passionate about policy, politics, advocacy, and leadership. I bring accountability and a belief that your best writing comes from your clearest thinking. Together, we’ll uncover what drives you and make sure your essays reflect that with clarity and confidence.