"Perceived Roles"

When I think of a guidance counselor, I think of just that--guidance. A person that's job is to guide students on their journey to higher education, technical college, apprenticeships, the military, etc. based on the student's interests, goals and abilities. Throughout a student's four years of high school, this individual would provide personality assessments, career interest inventories, and work aptitude testing, along with group and personal guidance on the various options available after graduation. A guidance counselor essentially becomes an advisor to help each student answer the questions: Who am I? Where am I going? and How am I going to get there? To me, this is what I perceive to be the role of a guidance counselor. However, I do live in the real word and realize that my perception is not reality. 

JT