President’s Letter: Presents, Presence and One Famous Quote

Words that are pronounced the same but have different meanings are called homophones – like presence and presents. These words may sound the same, but their definitions are very different. Presence is a noun, and it can mean a state of being, someone’s personal space or someone’s personality. Presents can be a noun or a verb. As a noun, it is an alternative word for gifts. As a verb, it can mean to show something or to give something.
 
You must be wondering why you’re getting an English lesson in a school counselor newsletter. Well, you can thank – or blame – Dr. Donna Shealy. Donna was the director of School Counseling in Lexington when I first joined the district. She was the ultimate cheerleader, confidant and advocate for school counselors. I treasure all the wisdom Donna Shealy gave me. One of my favorite lessons came from one of her famous quotes, “Your presence is an intervention.”
 
Think about that. The fact that you are willing to be present with a student while they are experiencing difficult emotions is an intervention in itself. You are giving that student an opportunity to be heard. You are giving them your undivided attention, showing them you accept them the way they are. Something that sounds so simple can be very powerful – for a student to be heard and feel valued.
 
This is the season of giving presents. And school counselors are rock stars at giving presents. Just think about all the presents you give your students:

• You help them develop their self-confidence and self-concept
• You give them words to express their emotions
• You give hope when they feel hopeless
• You give them a place to belong
• You inspire them to be themselves
• You give them a safe environment that is free of judgment
• You give them someone who will listen and understand

All these presents are amazing, but I think the best present a school counselors can give is their presence. Being willing to listen, understand and guide others is the best present anyone can give another. When I feel like I’m not making any progress with a student or my efforts are not producing any measurable results, I remember what Donna taught me: Just being willing to show up is enough.
 
So now I want to start my own famous quote (I always wanted to grow up and be Donna Shealy). Here it is: “Your presence is your presents.”
 
I hope you enjoy this season of giving. I hope you give yourself time to unwind, reflect and rest. And I hope you realize how valued and appreciated your presents are!
 
My presence honors your presents.
 
Contact Anna R. Duvall, school counselor and PSSCA president, at aduvall@lexington1.net.