Any time you have an opportunity to touch another persons life in a positive way, there is a reward. Working with people and listening to their trials on a daily basis is very discouraging. So, for this reason, I believe that it is those small, sometimes insignificant conversations where a student comes into the office, discouraged, uncertain or confused and looking for inspiration are where the greatest rewards are found. After a simple conversation, the counselor almost magically pulls the right words out of the air and instantly the spirit of this student is lifted, a reward is received. Changes occur to the expression on their face and a confident thank you for listening to me today may be heard. These are the moments where that I believe counselors receive their greatest rewards. Not only do counselors feel pleased to help someone, they receive a boost in their confidence that they know what they are doing and that they are in the right job. This type of reward is received the most often. It in turn encourages a counselor. This almost daily reward outweighs the depressive affects of regularly dealing with negative problems.
In my opinion, the most challenging part of a counselor’s job is time management. I realize that not being able to reach every child is discouraging. But, if there is enough time, one can try. However, I have seldom been into the counselor’s office at our school when there was not a line of folks waiting to see her. Juggling the obligations of addressing the academic and personal needs of the students, dealing with parental issues, helping teachers and working with the community can quickly tire one out. The feeling of being stretched to thin and never getting caught up is stressful and can quickly become overwhelming.
Wyndell,
ReplyDeleteYour post is touching and I do hope that most guidance counselors do feel encouraged after speaking with students.
I also think that you hit the nail on the head about time management. Some students need to have some form of interaction and will visit the guidance counselor several times in one week. I have gotten very frustrated in the recent past because I felt like many of the guidance counselor's duties have been given to teachers when we are not properly trained to deal with them. Now I feel that they have had no other choice since they are so overwhelmed. They have so much pressure to keep kids happy during a time when their mood swings are out of control, try to keep them in school, and keep them on track to graduate and either go to college or pursue a career.
Thank you for your post!