Changing Times and Creating Pathways to Wellness

Sometimes you know it’s time for a change. Think about times when you’ve known that what you’d done in the past isn’t going to work anymore. Such was the case after the Michigan School Counselor Association 2018 Fall Conference. We had record attendance, sold out our exhibitor space, and knew that our old venue wouldn’t work as we continued to advance professional development opportunities for our members.

The Pathways to the Future 2019 MSCA Fall Conference was a huge success. Our new venue, the Lansing Center, provided ample space for attendees to network with one another and our valued exhibitors and sponsors. We had a record number of attendees inspired by our keynote speakers, 2016 ASCA School Counselor of the Year Katherine Pastor and internationally recognized author and school counselor Julia Cook. We heard messages of leadership and hope that resonated with the ongoing work we all do to provide a better educational experience for all students. We honored legislators, principals, a scholarship winner and RAMP recipients.

Breakout sessions focused on career development, college advisement and student mental health. School counselors learned ways to support students with anxiety. But do we accept that anxiety may impact us as the caregivers? As I looked around the large ballroom in the Lansing Center at the hundreds of school counselor, I paused to reflect. How do these talented professionals envision themselves as leaders and advocates? Does the thought of petitioning for a seat at the table (or, as Katherine Pastor said, bringing an additional leaf to make the table bigger) cause you to doubt your capacity or ability to be a leader working for systemic change? How does fear impact our work? At the end of the day, what do we do to confront uncomfortable feelings that may steal our joy?

Anxiety comes in many shapes and sizes, ranging from the anticipation of the first day in a new position to the overwhelming sense of impending doom that may have no rational basis. As school counselors, we meet students where they are and provide strategies and/or referrals to help them get the support they need. But what about us? Who do you go to? Who is on your team of listeners, confidents, and caregivers? Do you have a therapist? Are you on a medical treatment regime? Accepting who we are, and recognizing that, in some ways, we are just older versions of our students, can bring a renewed sense of empathy to our practice. We are counselors, after all. Aren’t we supposed to have all the answers? The short answer is no. If we, holders of master’s degrees, do not have the answers, then imagine how difficult it is for the children in our schools.

In November, MSCA celebrated Pathways to the Future with 500 school counselors. How do we now work to create pathways for our students filled with ways to cope with and alleviate the anxiety in their lives? Perhaps the first step is by practicing what we preach.

Contact Judy Williams, MSCA past president, at willijud@gvsu.edu. 

Scenes from MSCA’s Pathways to the Future 2019 Fall Conference

MSCA honors Rep. Leslie Love, one of our 2019 Legislators of the Year.


The MSCA Governing Board


Judy Williams recognizes Dr. Bicker as Administrator of the Year.