Celebrate National School Counselor Week

In honor of National School Counselor Week, I want to take a moment to highlight the amazing work that counselors do for our students. In addition to helping students with daily needs at school involving current classes, course selection, plus mental health and well-being concerns, they also help students in their quest towards college or other plans after graduation. For larger public high schools, the sheer volume of students can make all these tasks daunting. They don’t always have the resources they need or the time to dedicate as much time to each student as they would like. They are stretched, to say the least. However, they always seem to find availability for students who need them. They are dedicated and genuinely care about their students.

As a student, I highly recommend you try to get to know your guidance counselor, even if you don’t have any problems to address in school. Most colleges will require a counselor report/recommendation. In addition to all of their other work, these individuals will be responsible for writing about you. You want that recommendation to be as personal as possible. The guidance counselor will also be able to explain that you did your best within the offerings of your particular school, which is very important, since not all schools offer identical opportunities.

As an independent college counselor, I have had the chance to get to know a lot of guidance counselors and every single one of them has said they wish they could do more for all of their students. They are passionate about helping students succeed.

Take a little time to appreciate the guidance counselors at your school this week (and every week)!