President’s Letter: Wisdom from the Weird

I hope this issue of PSSCA Connections finds you happy and healthy in the new year. It’s hard to believe the school year is more than halfway over. Personally, I am glad this school year is moving so quickly – it has been a weird year! As a tribute to my weird year, I have a weird little story to share.

My story is about the recessed light fixture in my shower. Every time I flip the switch to turn on the shower light, it turns on. Every time. Without fail. It’s as dependable as old faithful. But, like most things in the Duvall household, it’s a little weird.

I began noticing something strange about my shower light a few weeks ago. When the shower light is on for an extended time, it gets “tired” and turns itself off. After it gets enough “rest” it will turn itself back on again. Weird, huh? My shower light hasn’t always turned itself off; age must be taking its toll. Just like age is taking its toll on me. Sometimes I need a break to “rest” and then I’m ready to glow again. Actually, I can think of a few things that make shower lights metaphors for school counselors.

Shower lights are “made with a robust construction of galvanized steel, a large accessible electrical box and strong steel clips to ensure a long product life.” Likewise, school counselors are constructed with robust ethics, offer endless accessibility to their students and require steel clips to ensure a long life. What are steel clips for counselors? They are all of us supporting and encouraging each other – holding each other together. The fact is, we need to lean on each other to ensure a long professional life.

Shower lights can be dimmable to “create ambiance and mood lighting for any situation.” From hectic to somber, school counselors are the ones who comfort students and balance their “mood,” despite the “situation.” And, because of all the tears we see, school counselors can work in a “wet location.” Don’t you feel that sometime your office is the only place students are allowed to cry?

Did you know shower lights are made in different sizes and colors? They are highly efficient. And “multiple units can easily be used in larger rooms.” I can go on and on, but I think I’ve hit the limit of allowable light fixture metaphors.

Please take a lesson from my weird little shower light. Be there when your students need you, know when to take a break, and always shine bright!

Luminously,

Anna
 
Contact Anna R. Duvall, school counselor and PSSCA president, at aduvall@lexington1.net.