Jamie Dickenson :: Testimonial Archive

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Thank you for the referral money. Anyone I talk to I send them to you. If you help them as much as you helped me, they will be getting everything and more! Derek DeProspero, Hurricane High, Class of 2004, Duquesne University

Jamie, Thanks for everything! I couldn't have done this without you. Your guidance and inspiration helped me to get where I am today! David Oxley, Hurricane High, Class of 2004, Marshall University

Jamie, I told you that you'd be the first to know. Alex made his decision this evening to go to Lehigh. We are all excited!!! Thanks again for everything. This wonderful opportunity would never have been possible without your help. Patti Shaffer, mother of Alex, Class of 2004.

Jamie, this card will never do justice for the thank you that you deserve. Without your help I would have been lost. Thanks for always keeping me on track and showing me the next step. Sincerely, Darren Wilburn, St. Albans H.S. Class of 2003.

Dear Jamie, I really appreciate that you would come and talk to the students here at Poca High. You are one of the best speakers I've listened to. I had a lot of questions about what you were talking about, but you answered almost all of them while you were speaking to us. This will help me out a lot now that I know what to do to get into the college I want to. So thanks a bunch. Sincerely yours, Bart Holly, student, Poca H.S.

Dear Jamie: You did a great job speaking to us! I really learned alot. I never would've taken any of the tests you recommended until I had to, but now I'm going to every chance I get. Out of every speaker I have ever heard, you've had the most impact on me. You really had my attention. Thanks for taking time out of your schedule for us. You were awesome! Sincerely, Tiffany Witt, student, Poca H.S.

Dear Jamie, once again thank you sooo much for your time, interest and valuable information presented to my students. It's such a pleasure for me to have you talk to my students, and you relate so well to them. You have no idea how much I appreciate and admire you, and my students do, too, esp. with your being single - and to hear and see what you have accomplished. I try really hard to get them out of the "married w/ kids" syndrome and into the "worldly wisdom" role, if you get my drift; and listening to you helps them at least THINK about the options. We can only do so much huh?! Take care of yourself! Patty Igo, teacher, Poca H.S.

Dear Jamie: Well Randall's been at Bennington for a week and so far he's loving it. In his words, "The showers are hot, the food is great, my schedule is exactly like I wanted it, and I love the professors." He already has the reputation on campus as being "The Storytellor". Not bad for a boy who wants to write for a living. He wanted to see you before he left, but his grandfather passed away two weeks before we left and his grandmother ended up in the hospital ten days before we left. So we were lucky to get his last minute things together and get him there on time. I'm sure he'll e-mail you as soon as he gets set-up on ethernet. I can't thank you enough for everything you've done to help Randall's dream become reality. Robin Grindstaff, mother of Randall Nichols, Herbert Hoover H.S., class of 2003.

Dear Jamie, I would like to thank you for coming and speaking at Poca High. I really learned a lot about the things I need to do next year. I am only a sophomore but have decided to take the PSAT and the ACT this year. I told my mom about you and the kind of work that you do and she plans to hire you my junior year. You taught me a lot about the ACT and what I can do now to get the Promise Scholarship and other scholarships. You also answered my question about financial aid. I really appreciate your help and will be in touch about hiring you. Sincerely, Leah Knapp, student, Poca H.S.

Dear Jamie Dickenson, thank you for coming to speak with our class. Your presentation was very remarkable. You had a lot to say and you knew exactly what you were talking about. You gave me a great outlook on what I need to do to get prepared for college. Like the tests I have to take and the papers I have to send in. You gave us a lot of information about scholarships we can apply for. It was great that you did discuss this because some of the things you said I had never heard of. It was a great start to get my high school career organized and to help plan for my college future. Hopefully you can come and speak to us again before I leave Poca High School. You were very inspiring. You are very good at what you do. With Great Appreciation, Amy Callihan, student, Poca H.S.

Dear Jamie, thank you very much for coming and speaking to our class about our college careers. I had almost decided the six colleges that I am going to apply to. I have also decided what I am going to major in. I just wanted you to know how thankful I was for you coming in and encouraging me even more than I already was. Sincerely, Samantha Scott, P.S. I can't wait until we hire you! Student, Poca H.S.

Dear Jamie, Hi, my name is Kristal Siders. I talked with you after class. I am the one that has the little girl. I enjoyed hearing you speak with our second block class. You had a lot of information that I did not know about. Since I have a child, I am eligible for scholarships and grants, and that really encourages me. I will definitely apply for everything I can and take what I can get. Your approach with us was forward and at our level, and I aprreciate that. Thak you for the pen that you gave me for asking questions. That was thoughtful of you to do that for our class. I think what you do is important and keep it up. Krista Siders, student, Poca H.S.

Dear Jamie, as always, thank you soo much for taking time to share your very important information with my students. Your delivery is not only informatioonal and relevant, but interesting and motivational. Our counselors could talk 'til blue with the same info, but the kids won't listen to them and definitely don't respect them. Sad, huh?? I hope you'll receive some phone calls with interest in "senior stuff"! Keep up the good work! Kids are wonderful, aren't they?! Patty Igo, teacher, Poca H.S.

Hey Jamie! Thank you so very much for supporting me again this summer as I go to Slovakia! I'm so excited to see how God is going to use me to reach the nations, so thank you for sending me to do so. More importantly, thank you for seeing the need to reach lost souls and acting upon that! This summer will be a huge blessing and great investment in the Kingdom! I appreciate ya girl! Your Sister in Christ, Morgan Baker, student, Marshall University.

Jamie, thank you for the flag, it should look great in that Washington & Lee dorm! A special thanks for attending my party, but more importantly for leading me through the college process. I expect a visit, and it might help you get that certification of yours! Thanks Again! Andrew West, Winfield H.S., class of 2003.

Dear Jamie, Thanks so much for all that you do ...inform my parents, enlighten me, and the way you make my parents and students think that they have a good counselor (because they think I am so smart for having you as a speaker!). Really, it is always great to see you and hear what you have to say. Hopefully, I will see you before next fall. Sincerely, Karen Appell, guidance counselor, Huntington St. Joseph High School

Dear Jamie, Just a note to tell you how much we appreciate your kindness and interest towards Meghan. You always make us smile! You have great conviction for your work and NEVER underestimate just how important it is that you are a youth advocate. You have provided a boost to Meghan's confidence through the stress of college planning. Your efforts are not unnoticed. May you be abundantly blessed! Fondly, Laure Hughes, mother of Meghan, Charleston Catholic High School.

Dear Jamie, Thank you so much for coming to Pt. Pleasant to provide information to our GEAR UP parents. Your effort and knowledge is tremendously appreciated. Sincerely, Wanda Parsons

Dear Jamie, Thank you so much for the time and effort these past few weeks being the guest speaker for Youth and Government Program. I have now seen how much this program inspires and teaches these students. Your presentation is always one of their favorites. I am so impressed by the way you relate to these kids. Sincerely, Lisa Lynn, Director of Youth and Government.

Dear Jamie, We really appreciate everything that you are doing helping me get to college. You have really helped us out! Thanks! Sylvia and Brooke Harless, Duval High School.

Dear Jamie, we really enjoyed your speech to our class about college and careers. I'm going to write you a rap about how much we liked it! "We really liked your talk on college and high school, everyone thought that speech was real cool. Your talk was sweet and full of knowledge, it made us all look forward to going to college. You were really nice and not a snob, you taught us all how to get a good job. You made us think and gave our mind a crank, we loved your little piggy bank. Hopefully, we'll go to Marshall or State, we think your business service is great. I hope alot of students get to hear your speech, some can even study oceans down by the beach. Thanks for coming to Poca High, we loved your speech, that was no lie." Tony Sotelo, rap artist, Poca High School senior.

Hey Jamie! I LOVE EMERSON! Guess what! I might join a Fraternity. HAHA. It's a coed Frat and it's mostly professional. It's like the anti-Greek Frat. They do all sorts of wonderful things for the community and I'm in the Musical Theater Society and I'm trying to join a committee that honors Musical Theater people like Burnadette Peters. I'm also working in the costume shop so I'm learning to sew (correctly) and meeting wonderful people! I miss you! And I miss WV! Take care of yourself! Much Love! ERIN WEBB, Capital High School, Emerson College.

Hey Jamie, It's Sarah Smith. You will never believe who called me yesterday. This girl called and said that she was going to Wesleyan and that she was from Buffalo and that she had gotten my name and number from the Admissions counselor from WVWC. She had told her that I was from Duval and that I was the only one going there and she might want to call me to have someone to talk to. Anyway she told me her name was Beth Nease and I thought that her name sounded really familar so I asked her if she went through you for financial aid advice and she said yeah. Then the more we got to talking I found out that she was the one that you had talked about me meeting that went to Florida with her friend. I just thought that it was so weird and a small world. We really hit it off and talked for almost an hour. I knew more about her in 10 minutes than I did the hour I talked to my roommate! We really had a lot in common and even decided to carpool home sometimes. Even had a class together. Anyway long story but I just thought I would let you know about it because it was such a concidence. Weird huh? Sarah Smith, Duval High School, WV Wesleyan

Dear Jamie, Anthony is working on the orientation registration papers and getting ready for graduation. It is a busy, bittersweet time! We appreciate all the help and guidance you've given us through the last year. Denise Colegrove, mother of Anthony who will be attending Ohio State from Cabell Midland High School.

Dear Jamie, thanks for all of your help with my schooling and financial aid. I appreciate all of your efforts! Rae McKinney

Dear Ms. Dickenson, The West Virginia State DECA Career Development Conference was held on March 9-11, 2002 in Charleston. Thanks to your interest in the education of our youth, and your generosity to our student organization, our state conference was a success. Your belief that students of today are our chance to a brighter future is evident in your donation to DECA. Thanks again for your contribution and support! Sincerely, Betty Sias, WV State DECA Advisor.

Dear Ms. Dickenson, On behalf of the Mercer County Youth and Government students from Princeton Middle School, I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for allowing us to take part in this seminar. It was definately one of the major highlights of our eighth grade year. Thank you so much for giving us such valuable information about college. We really enjoyed your seminar and I'm sure we will be contacting you in the near future. Thanks for taking your time to see that we were given this exciting opportunity. Sincerely, Brittni Cooper.

Dear Jamie, we appreciate your efforts in helping students see the possibilities that exist for their futures. The Youth and Government Seminar is a fantastic experience because of you and the others who give their time. Sincerely, The Wetzel County Contingent.

Dear Jamie, I want to thank you for your professional guidance and courtesy in submitting the FAFSA and CSS/Financial Aid Profile for my sons Samuel and Walter. I am certain that without your assistance I would not have been able to accurately and completely fill out both questionnaires. I wish I had contracted with you four years ago when my daughter Abigail first attended the University of Virginia. I did not realize at the time all of the possibilities associated with financial aid. I do now and I want to thank you. Sam has already been accepted to one of his targeted schools and he is eagerly waiting to hear from his other schools - with their respective financial aid packages. Again, thank you and I look forward to next year when we can continue the process. Sincerely, Charles D. Arnett, father of Sam, South Charleston High School, Transylvania University.

The investment put forth into Jamie Dickenson is one that has quickly refurbished the dollars put into it. Because of her, over $16,000 was saved on my first year at Xavier University in Cincinnati. Her services have been a tremendous help that I sure as h-e-double hockey sticks could not have accomplished on my own. Not only did she take the time to fill out the FAFSA, but she calculated our EFC (Estimated Family Contribution) and has been there for me to negociate with the college on other financial items. On top of that, she took the time to forward any information to the college that I needed, and that I probably would have forgotten to do by myself - such as tax forms, applications if necessary, and whatever else it takes to get accepted into college. Not only has she been a great asset to me and a great help, but she has also been a friend and has listened to me when dealing with more than college and financial aid. Thank you Jamie; I will dedicate my first "A" in college to you - the one, who without your help, I may not have such a bright future - at such a low cost! She has stood behind me 110% and for that, I thank her wholeheartedly. I give you permission to put my email address on your website if anybody has any questions that they'd like to ask me about you. Darby McFarland, South Charleston High School, (mcfarlanddj@XAVIER.XU.EDU) AOL Instant Messenger is Darby 01.

Hi Jamie! It's Tommy Robinetti, star of radio, tv and the lower east-side of Pensacola. (changed the "e" to "i" for my illustrious radio career) How are you? I was playing on the net and found your .com and thought I'd say hello...hello. Your site is as impressive as your accomplishments! It's great to see your smiling face! Living so far from West Virginia, it's nice to see a friendly face and let your guard down long enough to remember the good times... As for finding money for college... Being a single father of two boys, here are my plans: 1. Win the lottery 2. Kids awarded scholarship for video games 3. Kids turn 18 and one of them win the lottery (at which point a college education would be useless) 4. Rich relative dies, leaves us millions... if we spend one night in his spooky mansion I'm also working on a plan to trade arms for college credits. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Jamie, I am so glad we came to see you (and I imagine I will say that more so as the year goes on). Barrie did as you suggested and emailed all the schools on the list (and some others). The materials are arriving, and it is getting her jazzed. The result of getting jazzed is working harder at school, or perhaps more seriously is a better word. She has also registered to take the SAT in March and ACT again in April and is studying this time---she's more serious about that, too, and understands that even a few more points can have real significance for her. And of course, getting all these catalogues now is getting her started on evaluating what she wants in the school she ultimately decides on. I'm glad we're not starting this process next fall! I think we would both be overwhelmed and feel much more pressured. I would not have imagined that the time to get started on this with this vigor is now. It can be a more deliberative, if not leisurely, process. So, as I imagine I will say more than once over the next year and a half: Thanks! Lou Newberger, mother of Barrie, Winfield High School.

Dear Jamie, I want to thank you for coming to Poca High School to spend your time telling us more about college and all the scholarships available. Thank you for coming to be with us. Sincerely, Derek Scott Maghlin.

Dear Jamie, I would just like to say thanks for coming yesterday. I came in late, but what I heard I enjoyed. You had changed my idea about going to college. I wasn't going to go because I was not going to be able to afford it, but you changed my mind. Also, I am looking forward to going to the news room at Channel 8 with you and I hope to see and hear you again! Always, Beth Ann!

Dear Ms. Dickenson, Thank you for coming and advising our class about how to get into college. I received your email link to the Princeton Review web page that you told us about. It has a wealth of valuable information, and is greatly appreciated. If I ever need to know anything about college, it's nice to know I have someone who can answer my questions. Thanks again. Sincerely, Katie Huffman.

Dear Jamie, I really liked your presentation you gave on Thursday. When I went home that night, my parents and I sat down and talked about where I want to go to college and how we are going to pay for it. So I just wanted to say thanks. Sincerely, Nichole Crines.

Dear Ms. Jamie, Thank you for the great guest-speaking! I didn't know there was so much finaancial aid moeny out there! You've definitely made me think of my future in a much brighter fashion. I checked out some of the art-institutes' websites in 3rd block. They all look amazing, especially Chicago's. And I am definitely going to give the Governor's School for the Arts a shot this year. (I hope I get in!) I have already gotten a portfolio started. Thanks again for talking to us. I definitely know who to come to if me or my parents ever get confused about college plans. Sincerely, Tominda Adkins P.S. Your outfit was adorable!

Dear Ms. Dickenson, I really appreciated you spending your time to open our minds to some things we did not even know about. I want to thank you for being here in Mrs. Igo's class and I'm glad that there are people out there who care enough to make high school students today open their eyes and realize their future. Sincerely, Anthony Scott.

Dear Jamie, I would like to thank you for offering your time to give your informative speech here at Poca High School. I learned lots of information that I will need in the future. I still don't know what I want to do with my life. As funny as it sounds, until you explained why accounting didn't work for you, I was thinking of becoming an accountant. I have thought I wanted to be an interior designer, an architect, a teacher, a doctor, and I even wanted to be an airline pilot. When I finally do decide what I want to do with my life, I will probably try to get hold of you to see what kind of college would be the best, and what kind of classes I need to take. I would like to thank you again, because like I said, I really will use the information that I have learned. I found your speech very useful and interesting. If you would like to come back sometime, I would really appreciate it. Sincerely, Anna Withrow.

Dear Ms. Dickenson, Thank you very much for the presentation on Financial Aid that you did for Upward Bound students and parents on November 17. We were really pleased to have you on campus and everyone benefited greatly from the information you shared with them. Thank you again for your participation in Upward Bound and for your interst in contributing to our students' success. Sincerely, Teresa Cerrato, Curriculum Coordinator, Upward Bound, Salem International University.

Dear Jamie, Thank you sooooo much for your informative, enlightening presentation today! All of us were impressed and learned "a lot"! As an Introduction to the Majors teacher, especially, I have the kids do research on educational institutions and careers, and you just lit the fire for me and provided the basis that they need as well as the motivation. You go, girl! - and come back! I'll be in touch with you and hope to see your again soon. Sincerely, Patty Igo, Poca High School.

Dear Sharon, The Financial Aid Consultant I discussed with you at the October 2001 Kids' Chance of West Virginia, Inc. is Jamie Dickenson, MBA. Jamie presented a very informative presentation to the students and parents at Lewis County High School regarding college admission as well as financial aid. I discussed with Jamie your interest in having her speak with the students in your area. Very Truly Yours, Robert L. Stultz, Lewis County Board of Education.

We have met with Jamie and believe that she can help with funding and gaining admission to college. She will be helping Lee with his college plans. We would like you to meet her December 4 (Tuesday) at the Old Bank of St. Albans Building. Hope to see you there! Patsy Thompson, mother of Lee, St. Albans High School

Jamie, Although I am officially a "newbie," in terms of client longevity, I am not hesitant to comment on things I like. For instance, I can say unequivocally that you encourage frequent two-way communication with your clients through all available mediums, i.e. face-to-face, email, etc. Moreover, you are responsive when an unanticipated question arises. I believe the characteristic I like best is your "roll-up-the-sleeves" and lets see what we can do approach to the work. In assessing my past contacts with you, I have found you to be knowledgeable about the current academic environment in terms of financing options and opportunities, as well as forthcoming with advice about how to put a student in postion to attend the school they desire - as you say their "dream school." Finally, and certainly not the least of my likes, is your willingness to speak to, shall we say potential clients, with the same openness and candor that you no doubt extend to longer term formal customers. I look forward to continuing our alliance as we attemp to set the stage for both of my children as they approach their big decision of where would I like to go to college. Thanks again, Mike Walker (father of Frederic).

Jamie, How the heck are you!!! I need a HUGE favor. My brother in law is up the creek without a paddle so to speak. I was wondering if he contacted you, could you possibly help him as best you can, straighten out a bit of a FASFA mess he is having. He is very broke as he is up to his eyeballs in year one of law school. If he can't sort out his mess, he's without the sufficient means to attend next quarter. I'll do whatever is necessary to help, I just thought you would be the ideal person as you are so damn knowledgeable in this area. Also, things are going so well, thanks largely in part to you and your overtrained, underpaid crew!! Wow, do I owe you guys, thus, I feel so bad for asking for such a favor. However, he is indeed in dire straits. Thanks so much. Craig Morgan

My wife and I attended your morning session, introducing us to your program. We learned a lot about the basics during this session. We learned that the process is quite involved and will take a significant amount of time to carry out the proper paperwork to improve our chances of obtaining financial aid for our students. We did learn about income, both of the parents and the student, during the junior year, which is the year used to calculate financial aid for the freshman year of college. We learned a very important bit of information regarding the filing process - to be ready to mail on Jan 2, rather than waiting until our W-2's are in and our taxes completed. We look forward to using the information gained to help our efforts in obtaining financial aid. We are very appreciative of the information you shared with us. Mike and Diana Kessler

I owe you a testimonial. Kelli got a $2,500.00 pell grant. Syracuse has been most helpful (thanks partly to you of course, and thanks to our good undergraduate grades)! Kelli got around $11,000.00 and I got nearly the same to go to school. So, Kelli will be spending about $5,000.00 a year to go to school and I will spend about $10,000 to go to law school...and that's just what we DON'T HAVE TO PAY BACK!!! So, all is well on the school front. Go Orangeman! C. Morgan

Dear Ms. Dickenson, Although I found all aspects of your presentation interesting and informative, the part that I found most interesting was what you told us about colleges. I think that was very important because many of the things you mentioned were before unbeknownst to me. I thought that what you told us about the PSAT's was very interesting. Because of what you said, I will be on the lookout for them during high school. I also thought that what you told us about how to apply to colleges and how to apply for financial aid was great. I had no idea that you are supposed to apply to six colleges, six of which should be competing colleges. That was something I found very interesting. I also thought that what you told us about the time you needed to apply by was great. I think your presentation was a great eye-opener for me and my fellow students, becasue many of us have no clue about what to do when we get to our later years in high school. Because of your presentation, I feel more prepared when it comes to my senior year. I also thought that what you said about the stock market was also fascinating. You explained the ups and downs of the stock market and even gave us some tips on how to invest. I would like to conclude by thanking you for taking time out of your busy schedule and talking to us. I would hope that you would continue to stay with the Youth and Government program in future years and help other eighth graders benefit from your expertise. Sincerely, Joseph Schaeffer, Morgantown, WV

Wonderful web site and I enjoy hearing you on the radio! Yours is a much needed service - from one who has "been there -- done that." Unless the parent of a high school student who wants to go to college, has a MBA themselves, and as difficult as it has become to deal with governmental bureaucracies - it would be well worth it for them to use Jamie Dickenson's service. Edward R. Burgess Chairperson, West Virginia Association of In-Home Services

Jamie, I love listening to you on the radio! You sound so full of life and energy and so much fun to be around. It is contagious even when coming through the radio. I would like to hang out with you for a while just to soak up some of your enthusiasm for life. Go grab the world by the tail and drag it home to your corner. B. Conley.

Dear Jamie, I listened to your show today. I made it a point. You are very professional on the radio station!!! You do fire people up! I think that you do a very good job!! I wish that I had had someone like you to coach me before I went to college. We did not know what to do. I guess it all worked out. I know that what you do is very helpful to people. You have a very natural style and you are very blessed. I wish you the best in what you do....This is a great blessing because people can relate to it!!! All my best in Jesus, Bill Ehman

Dear Jamie: We are so grateful for your assistance in helping our daughter to go through the process of finding a college and a means to finance her education. Stephanie is our second child to go to college and if we had had your assistance we could have saved thousands of dollars on our son's education. I cannot believe that the hardest part of choosing a college was actually visiting the colleges. Your expertise in interviewing our daughter and making sense of what it was that she wanted in a college and what field to pursue helped to save our relationship. Had Stephanie not had your guidance to keep her on track to meet deadlines for applications, she would not have had the tremendous response from colleges. Your knowledge of entrance criteria for each school helped us to apply for admission to the schools that were best suited for our daughter. We are so pleased that she was accepted at prestigious colleges that we never thought that she would qualify for. Most of all we are thankful for your guidance. The extra effort to call us and check on how things were going, really helped to make a stressful time much easier. Your service was like having our own private counselor. No public school counselor ever helped us with either of our children. In fact Stephanie's counselor told her she was wasting her time to apply to Wake Forest. Ha! Ha! Little did that counselor know. We will always remember your help and you can set your schedule for May 2005 to be at Stephanie's graduation. If we can ever be of assistance in telling other parents about the service you provide and the quality of your work just let us know. Sincerely, Pat Fot, mother of Stephanie, George Washington High School