What can students come in and talk to you about?
I think a lot of people think we’re just here to schedule, but we can do so much more than that. We all have masters’ degrees and we are trained to help kids and support them [with] their social/emotional health–maybe that’s navigating relationships maybe they’re dealing with, some overwhelming emotions–and [they] need to figure out how to navigate that, process it. We are here to support students academically, so connecting them with resources making sure they have the academic support they need, maybe through adding certain classes, or connecting them with tutors we have available this year. And we also help with college and career exploration, post-secondary options. So helping them sort out: do they want to go to college, do they want to get a job, what kind of things do they like. Based off what they liked what electives are available or other opportunities through the University of Iowa or Kirkwood are available, internships or job shadow opportunities, that sort of thing.
What does your day-to-day job look like?
I usually have a plan when I come to school, and [then] immediately it is scrapped, and I have to deal with whatever walks in the door. I meet with students a lot; the last month of school, every 2nd period, I was trying to help in this academic boost. You have to be very flexible to be a school counselor and meet every [students’] situation where they are at that moment to help them try to grow and problem-solve and become their own advocates. I think one of our roles is being advocates for students, which I really like.
What is your favorite thing about being a guidance counselor?
My favorite thing about being a high school counselor is [that] we stick with the same students from 9th through 12th grade. I love watching the growth that I see every student make as they go through this really important time in their life, starting off as little 14-year-olds and leaving as well-rounded adults. It’s amazing. I love it. And I love being around the energy of young adults. And we have a really good team here, and I think without the people that are working in this office it wouldn’t be as good. That helps, too.
What is your least favorite thing about being a guidance counselor?
Test coordination and scheduling.
