Rewards and Challenges

Guidance counselors have a laundry list of detailed job duties. Prior to speaking to a counselor I would have said that the reward for them would be being able to successfully schedule the entire student body. However, I have learned the for one counselor its protecting students. Protecting them from neglect, miseducation or abuse. I've found that helping a student advocate for their growth in weak areas or teaching a student how to better communicate with their parents or teachers is one of the most rewarding parts of the job. Unfortunately poor or tense communication with parents seems to be one of the most challenging areas. It makes sense that parents would think that they know their child best. Well counselors tend to reach students on a far deeper level if they have the right approach and bedside manner. The same goes for communicating with parents. Although the best counselor can find some parents impossible to work with. This is a challenge that is unwanted and also an area where counselors must tread lightly while still serving the best interest of the student. Certainly not an easy feat in some cases.