Settling In

It is hard to believe that my first three weeks as a school counselor have come to a close.  I have spent 13 years starting the school year, but this year was like no other.  It has brought perspective and an appreciation of things that many people do to prepare for the school year.

I have learned quite a bit during the three weeks of school.  There are many parts of the counseling world that your Master's classes do not prepare.  I am so glad that I spent 13 years in the classroom, so I know how to handle contacting parents, building rapport with students, teacher and other staff members (very important), and functioning in a school environment.

Things that should be taught in college classes, both undergrad and grad, you can practice and role play your heart out,  but nothing prepares you more than jumping in and doing the job.  I believe that this is completely true.  I felt that way as a Spanish teacher, and feel that even more now.  You think you're ready, but you soon discover how much more you still need to learn.

Being the counselor, is absolutely amazing.  I have been working on developing my program and working my schedule to develop a schedule for my classroom guidance lessons.  I have already been into all my 6th-8th grade classrooms.  I can truly say that I work with the best team of teachers that are flexible and are easy to work beside.  I hope that they feel that I am there to offer support to them as well as the students.

My introductory lesson gave them some great insight as to who I am and more about me.  Making myself human, allows the student to relate to me and become more comfortable to bring me their concerns.  After giving showing some great pics about me, I did a quick refresher on tips on being successful.  Being in the classroom, was a great feeling.  The students get to see a totally different Mr. Adkins than the guy roaming the cafeteria during lunch duty.

I tried to leave the students with some important advice.  Control the things and the person you control and treat others the way you want to be treated.  This is important advice to the middle schoolers as puberty and hormones wreck havoc on their minds and impulse control.  It is a difficult time for the students, and it is important for students to learn how to handle their emotions and respond accordingly.

This is an ongoing process as I am becoming well aware.  As was my answer to a question asked of me, I became a school counselor to make an IMPACT on the lives of students.  Let them know that someone cares and will fight for them day in and day out.

This is why I get up and why I strive to become the best counselor I can.  Impacting and shaping the lives of my students is the best feeling in the world.