Counselors in the Community
By Daniel Lee | September 2017
Coaching, teaching and volunteering; leading Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts or 4H; attending sporting events and recitals – these are just a few of the ways that school Counselors can connect with students. Are there times we need to disconnect and focus on ourselves and our families? Sure. However, we have to strike a balance between our social lives and supporting our students from school. Too much student support and your family suffers, but too much family time and your students may suffer.
Whether you notice it or not, we are all seen by our students outside of the school. Some (maybe even most) students are probably watching you more than you realize. Many students do not have appropriate role models when it comes to dealing with situations. Students today are being raised more and more by the Kardashians and the latest trend. As we go about our school days and our lives, our students are observing how we interact with people, how we handle certain situations, what stress does to us and so many other aspects. It becomes extremely difficult when you realize you are the best role model your student may see or have. When we are seen outside of school we are seen in our “natural habitat.” Cutting someone off in traffic, yelling at referees during a game or simply showing your impatience in the Walmart line can have a big impact on students. Perfection is not possible and we all make mistakes, but it is how we deal with those mistakes that truly leaves a lasting mark.
The profession of school counseling is becoming more and more demanding, but taking care of ourselves is important. There is a unique joy when you take your family to a volleyball game, or sit and listen to the choir and band competition. When students see us having fun with our families, it can brighten even the darkest of corners. As an elementary counselor, I love to go to school and see a smile on a first grader’s face when I say, “I saw you last night at the game.” Our smiles can have a lasting impact.
We have so many ways to connect with students and what better way than to volunteer in your own community. There is always a need for coaches and troop leaders, so help whenever and wherever you can. Let your students see you in a different light and setting. I once wrote that teachers are the path for students and counselors are the lights along the path. Go shine your light for others to see. Get out there and show your students what school counselors are all about.
Whether you notice it or not, we are all seen by our students outside of the school. Some (maybe even most) students are probably watching you more than you realize. Many students do not have appropriate role models when it comes to dealing with situations. Students today are being raised more and more by the Kardashians and the latest trend. As we go about our school days and our lives, our students are observing how we interact with people, how we handle certain situations, what stress does to us and so many other aspects. It becomes extremely difficult when you realize you are the best role model your student may see or have. When we are seen outside of school we are seen in our “natural habitat.” Cutting someone off in traffic, yelling at referees during a game or simply showing your impatience in the Walmart line can have a big impact on students. Perfection is not possible and we all make mistakes, but it is how we deal with those mistakes that truly leaves a lasting mark.
The profession of school counseling is becoming more and more demanding, but taking care of ourselves is important. There is a unique joy when you take your family to a volleyball game, or sit and listen to the choir and band competition. When students see us having fun with our families, it can brighten even the darkest of corners. As an elementary counselor, I love to go to school and see a smile on a first grader’s face when I say, “I saw you last night at the game.” Our smiles can have a lasting impact.
We have so many ways to connect with students and what better way than to volunteer in your own community. There is always a need for coaches and troop leaders, so help whenever and wherever you can. Let your students see you in a different light and setting. I once wrote that teachers are the path for students and counselors are the lights along the path. Go shine your light for others to see. Get out there and show your students what school counselors are all about.