From the Chair: Frazzled Out and Starting Anew

My first school counseling job was as a district counselor in a rural school district of approximately 1,600 students. Having just finished my school counseling program, I was wide-eyed and thought I was ready. However, I quickly realized that my new school was the opposite of the urban school where I had spent hours completing my practicum and internship!

Alone at my new school, I did the only thing I knew to do – I jumped in with both feet. Not long into the school year, I remember thinking, “I am running at full speed and not getting anywhere.” I was like a band-aid ninja, running from place to place, school to school, throwing out band-aids and hoping one would stick where it needed to and last until I could get back around to that student. I was “seeing” students but was I creating a program that was helping students? To top it all off, I was exhausted each day while feeling like I wasn’t particularly good at anything I was doing.

Why was I having so much trouble? Why would a district expect so much of just one person? How can I do this? These were some of the questions I asked myself constantly. One day while meeting with a student, it dawned on me: I need to take my own advice and use in my own life the skills and strategies I teach to others. Why do I have to take it all on at once and stress myself out as if the world will end if I don’t accomplish X, Y and Z today? Why do I tell students to take time to meditate, organize their to-do list or practice self-care when I don’t?

This realization led me to reflect on my first few months. I decided right then and there that I needed to do two things: focus on the core aspects of a comprehensive school program and tackle just a few tasks at a time, and practice better self-care. I needed to take care of myself so that I could continue to care for others.

I will be the first to admit that neither of these tasks was easy. It takes a dedicated, concentrated effort to let go of the little things you are not able to accomplish at the moment and allow yourself time for self-care. Now I find I am better able to build my program, feel more confident and feel less stressed in my role as school counselor.

As we roll into the new year and the second half of this school year, I encourage you to take some time to reflect on your program and your own self-care. It is okay to take some time for yourself. In fact, it’s vital that you do. You are just as important as those you serve!

Contact Shiloh Wheeler, AzSCA chair, at rayshiloh@hotmail.com.