What inspired you to become a counselor?
Wanting to share my wisdom and expertise with students to help guide them on their lifelong journeys.
What is the most rewarding part of being a counselor?
Seeing the nuggets being understood and the ah-ha moments. Having students validate how I have helped them by giving them tools that they use time and time again. Seeing them thrive on their own is very rewarding.
What are some challenges you face that people might not realize?
Meeting the needs of all stakeholders with fidelity (i.e. students, parents, staff, and community) and juggling all the tasks for which I am responsible.
Have you ever had a moment where you doubted yourself in this role? How did you overcome it?
When being overwhelmed with so many deadlines and requests at once, I give myself grace and know that I am doing what I do for a reason and that it will all get done without adding pressure on myself. Basically, following the advice that I give to students and focus on my own self-care.
How do you handle emotional stress while supporting students?
I help my students as best I can and know that I give 100% when I am on campus, which allows me the grace to not accumulate emotional weight and baggage when I leave.
Can you share a story about a student whose growth or success really stuck with you?
There were several, but one that came to mind was a student who struggled with anxiety and was severely afraid of speaking in front of the class. I met with that student and conducted some counseling sessions. I practiced some breathing strategies with the students. We also explored the source of the anxiety and did some positive self-talk and affirmations. At the end of the school year, the student was able to give a full speech in front of the class! I was very happy for the student and the student was very grateful.
How do you build trust with students who might be hesitant to open up?
I have conversations with them outside of the reasons for their visit and get to know them, and they learn about me. I share with them that I am here to help, and I remain patient and do not push. I may see them more than once, and they begin to open up after trust is built and when they are ready.
What do you think is the biggest misconception about school counselors?
All we (high school counselors) do is schedule when we do so much more.
If you could give one piece of advice to students about life beyond high school, what would it be?
Try not to compare yourself to others because you only see what they show you. Learn who you are and what makes you happy so that you can focus on being your best self. Use this time to begin advocating for yourself. Success is about more than academics; your emotional and mental self is just as important. Treat yourself with kindness and give yourself grace. Don’t forget you are only in high school for 4 years so breathe and enjoy the ride! I know, I know, that’s more than one piece of advice.
How has being a counselor changed your perspective on life and people?
It’s allowed me to practice being non-judgmental, appreciate opinions other than my own, and be open-minded. I also witnessed firsthand that everyone has a story that includes challenges and triumphs, and resilience is a superpower.
If you could change one thing about the school counseling system, what would it be?
I wish that we could follow the ASCA model that suggests a ratio of 250 students to 1 counselor for all that it would allow us to achieve.
Looking back at your career, what are you most proud of?
Everything I’ve done makes me proud from the biggest wins to the smallest. I’ve learned to not rate my gratitude and appreciate it all.
