Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachanta Waller
Hi Rachanta, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Absolutely! My journey into higher education wasn’t planned, but looking back, it all makes perfect sense. I started my career in admissions right after undergrad, thinking it would be a short-term stop. I was told that in college admissions, you’re either here for three years or thirty—and, well, I might just be here for thirty. Six years later, I’m still here, now serving as a Senior Assistant Director for Undergraduate Admission at Babson College, guiding students through one of the most important decisions of their lives.
Along the way, I’ve pursing my MBA at Babson, deepening my understanding of business and leadership. But beyond titles and degrees, what’s kept me in this field is the impact—connecting with students, advocating for access, and making the college journey feel a little less intimidating.
Now, I’m balancing my full-time role with grad school while also exploring new ways to create impact beyond admissions, whether that’s through launching a nonprofit or diving into real estate. My path hasn’t been linear, but every step has been intentional, and I’m excited to see where it leads next!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has definitely not been smooth, but every challenge has shaped me into the person I am today. Balancing my career in admissions, pursuing higher education, and now exploring entrepreneurship hasn’t always been easy. There have been moments of self-doubt, setbacks, and times when I felt stretched too thin. I felt like I was putting out fires every day.
One of the biggest struggles has been navigating professional growth while still figuring out my true passions. I’ve had to learn how to pivot, embrace discomfort, and trust that every experience—good or bad—is pushing me forward. But through it all, I’ve remained committed to my goals, leaned on my support system, and reminded myself that nothing worth having comes easy. The journey isn’t perfect, but it’s mine, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a Senior Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admission at Babson College, specializing in working with high school students in metro Atlanta. My role revolves around guiding students through the college admissions process, ensuring they understand their options and the resources available—whether that leads them to Babson or another institution. With a strong background in college admissions, my goal is to provide students with the support they need to make informed decisions about their future.
One project I’m particularly proud of is hosting bus tours for students from underserved communities, giving them the opportunity to visit college campuses. This initiative is especially meaningful to me because I remember how difficult it was to find transportation for college tours. I’ve heard countless students say they couldn’t visit colleges simply because they didn’t have a ride, and I wanted to remove that barrier.
What sets me apart is my personal experience. I’ve been in many of these students’ shoes, navigating the college application process with limited access to resources. Now, as an admissions professional, I take pride in using my journey to create greater equity and access for students from underrepresented backgrounds. My mission is to bridge the gap, break down barriers, and ensure that every student—regardless of their circumstances—has the opportunity to explore higher education.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
That’s a tough one because I had a fun childhood, but one of my favorite memories has to be summer cookouts with my family. The food, the music, the loud conversations (because somehow everyone insists on talking over each other lol)—it was pure joy. I loved the sense of community, the endless laughter, and, of course, running around with my cousins until the streetlights came on. It’s those little moments that stuck with me—the ones that felt like home.
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IMAGE: Fashionriot IG
