From the Executive Director: The Power of Why

Simon Sinek has built an entire industry on the concept that everyone has a “why.” Sinek says, “Why do you get up in the morning? Why does your organization exist? Your ‘why’ is the purpose, cause or belief that inspires you to do what you do. When you think, act and communicate starting with why, you can inspire others.”
 
How does that connect to WSCA and your work as a school counselor? Most of us were drawn to this profession because we want to help students. That is just the start of our “why” journey. How do we dig deeper into this concept so that we can move to planning a meaningful “how” to help students?
 
A recently published article, “Predicting School Counselors’ Supports and Challenges when Implementing the ASCA National Model,” reviewed research on how comprehensive school counseling programs made an impact on student outcomes. When thinking about why we do this work, this research helps see how counselors do make a difference in children’s lives.
 
As you consider moving your counseling program to the ASCA National Model and Mindsets & Behaviors, remember to consider the why. WSCA believes having a counselor in schools is essential to help students, but we need all counselors to be prepared when our communities ask us why. Think about how you advocate for comprehensive school counseling programs so that students can be helped. How are you sharing the impact you are making on your students?
 
ASCA has created a series of resources about why school counselors are needed that may be helpful in thinking about your own personal why.
The Essential Role of Elementary School Counselors
The Essential Role of Middle School Counselors
The Essential Role of High School Counselors
 
WSCA believes that school counselors are essential in every building. WSCA believes in comprehensive school counseling programs. WSCA believes in YOU. Help us in the journey of thinking about the why.
 
Contact Stacy Eslick, executive director of WSCA, at stacye@wscaweb.org.